A FATHER and son from Oswestry will be taking on vital roles at the funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday.

Colour Sergeant Graham Tait, a Royal Marine drill instructor, will be a bearer for Prince Philip’s coffin at the ceremony.

His son, Able Seaman Sam Tait of Telford, will also be in attendance. The 17-year-old Royal Navy aerospace engineer technician will be standing to attention outside Windsor Castle.

He will be the youngest member of the forces in attendance at Saturday’s ceremony.

Members of the Armed Forces will be taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral to “honour their special relationship” with Prince Philip, a spokesman said.

Prince Philip enjoyed an active naval career between 1939 and 1951, and was a veteran of the Second World War.

Detachments drawn from units which had a link with Philip will be positioned on the grass in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.

Plans for the funeral have been modified in light of Covid-19 restrictions, but the ceremonial aspects of the day and the service are still in line with Prince Philip’s wishes, Buckingham Palace has said.

There will be no public element to the funeral. It will take place entirely in the grounds of the castle.

Original plans for military processions through London or Windsor have been scrapped, and the royal family is asking the public not to gather at the castle or other royal residences.

A reduced choir of just four singers will sing pieces of music chosen by Philip. Guests will follow Covid rules and not sing.

Just 30 people will attend, instead of 800 as originally planned, and the congregation will wear masks for the service.

Members of the royal family who have walked in the procession will put their facemasks on before entering the chapel.

The Queen will wear a face mask during her car journey to the chapel, as will other guests who have not walked in the procession.

A national minute’s silence will take place at 3pm at the start of the funeral.