Church services have taken place across the UK to remember the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

A service at Canterbury Cathedral – the spiritual home of the worldwide Anglican community – was led by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He said the Duke had shown "a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life, " referring to his role as the royal consort to his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke's 69-year tenure in the position made him the longest-serving consort in British history. 

He "died peacefully" at the age of 99 on Friday morning, according to Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the funeral, which will take place at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

A national period of mourning will continue in the UK until April 17, after the funeral is finished. 

Welby, who is expected to officiate at the ceremony next weekend, asked for people to keep the Queen and her loved ones in their prayers: "For the royal family, as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement.

"We all know that it is not simply a factor of age or familiarity, it is not obliterated by the reality of a very long life, remarkably led, nor is the predictability of death's arrival a softening of the blow. Loss is loss."

In a break with custom, there will be no state funeral for the Duke and his body will not lie in state, to allow people to pay their respects. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Duke's own wishes, the funeral will be a relatively low-key affair.

Under current lockdown rules in England, a maximum of 30 people are allowed at funerals. Prime minister Boris Johnson has said he will not attend, to enable a family member to go instead.

Those attending will adhere to rules designed to stop the spread of the virus, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing, according to Buckingham Palace.

The palace also confirmed Prince Harry, the Duke's grandson, will fly in for the funeral from his home in LA. His wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be attending on medical advice as she is pregnant. 

A full guest list is expected to be released on Thursday.