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Rift between Harry and William underlined by funeral decision

As the arrangements for Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday are finalised, and official rehearsals are completed in Windsor, with one decision underlining the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William.

It's been decided the brothers, who have only spoken over the phone since Harry's explosive Oprah interview, will not walk shoulder to shoulder in the procession.

prince william prince harry
Harry and William won't be walking side-by-side. Photo: Getty

Instead, they will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, as they walk behind the coffin during the eight-minute journey from Windsor Castle to nearby St George's Chapel.

The full procession will also include Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Earl of Snowdon, Philip’s personal protection officer, private secretary, two pages and two valets.

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More than 20 years earlier, Prince Charles and his sons were joined by Philip to walk behind the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales who was also given a ceremonial funeral.

The procession will likely still bring back 'difficult memories', royal expert Penny Junor claimed.

"This is likely to be a very emotional and reflective time for the entire family," Penny told the Daily Mail.

"I am sure that walking behind their grandfather's coffin will bring back difficult memories for William and Harry of losing their mother. It will probably bring back difficult memories for their father, too."

Royal rehearsals complete

Dress rehearsals took place at Windsor castle on Thursday, which saw soldiers, guardsmen and the royal horse artillery gather.

Photos show The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery moving along The Long Walk at Windsor, while the Royal Air Force marched with instruments.

The Household Cavalry and Life Guards also appeared in ceremonial uniforms.

A military band leaves Windsor Castle after taking part in a rehearsal ahead of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's funeral
A military band leaves Windsor Castle after taking part in a rehearsal ahead of Prince Philip's funeral. Photo: Getty
Members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride their horses away from Windsor Castle
Members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride their horses away from Windsor Castle. Photo: Getty

It comes after Queen Elizabeth ordered that no royals wear military uniform for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, instead suggesting all senior male royals wear suits and ties.

The move would save Prince Harry from potentially ending up as the only royal family member not in military attire, after he lost his military titles when he stepped back from his royal duties.

It also saves the Queen from having to respond to Prince Andrew's demand to wear an Admiral uniform on the day, despite deferring the title.

How to watch Prince Philip's funeral

Royal fans can watch the funeral as it will be broadcast live on the BBC.

However the network has promised it will not broadcast wall-to-wall coverage after receiving a record number of complaints over its 24-hour coverage across its two main channels after Philip's death last week.

For Aussie viewers Prince Philip's funeral will be live on Channel 9 and 9Now, and on Channel 7.

The 9NEWS Special, The Funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, will begin at 11pm AEST Saturday and run through to 1am Sunday.

Network Seven's special live coverage of the ceremonial royal funeral to begin from 5.00pm AEST on Channel 7 and 7plus.

In WA, the coverage will begin at 9pm local time and in SA and NT it will begin at 10.30pm local time.

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