The Royal Horticultural Society has said it will close its gardens on Saturday as a mark of respect.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place on Saturday, with a national minute’s silence to be observed at 3pm. As a result, the society will close all four of its gardens, including RHS Wisley, for the day.
In a statement, the Royal Horticultural Society said: “HRH Prince Philip’s devotion to our Patron, Her Majesty, The Queen, and to public duty was an inspiration for so many and everyone at the Society is deeply saddened by the news.”
The statement read: “As a mark of respect following the passing of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we will be closing all four RHS Gardens on the day of his funeral, which has been confirmed as Saturday, 17 April.
“HRH Prince Philip’s devotion to our Patron, Her Majesty, The Queen, and to public duty was an inspiration for so many and everyone at the Society is deeply saddened by the news.
“Our thoughts are with HM The Queen and members of the Royal Family and we send our deepest condolences to them at this sad time.
“As a Royal Charter charity, the closure of our Gardens is a mark of respect to our Patron, HM The Queen, and in line with traditions that organisations like ours wish to follow.
“We are sorry to all those who are unable to visit on Saturday, 17 April and will be offering a full refund or a chance to rebook as well as retail vouchers to everyone who had booked tickets.”
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