“As far as Prince Philip is concerned, there is more to today’s national anthem.We are representing not just English rugby, but a nation in mourning, “said England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunt.The Union Jack was flown at half-mast at the Prebisito Stadium in Padua, Italy, ahead of the Women’s Rugby 6 Nations match between England and Italy on Thursday, with England officials and players wearing black armbands.
Over the weekend, England’s Aintree racecourse and football leagues observed moments of silence to pay tribute to Prince Philip.”I want to send my condolences to the royal family,” said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho at a press conference ahead of his team’s home game against Manchester United.
The BBC said Philip had been involved in sport throughout his life, having been an honorary member of the Jockey Club and twice president of the Marylebone Cricket Club.He was also president of the English Football Association from 1955 to 1957, and accompanied the Queen to Wembley when England won the World Cup in 1966.In addition, he was chairman or patron of several sports organizations and established the Duke of Edinburgh Award in 1956 to encourage youth participation in sport and outdoor activities.
Only about 30 people will attend the funeral at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday.The funeral of Prince Philip took place during a “busy weekend” of football matches, including the opening day of the FA Cup semi-finals, the Women’s Rugby Six Nations and the World Snooker Championship, AFP said Tuesday.The FA, the Premier League and the England and Wales Cricket Board are all in discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
English football league officials have announced that the second, third and fourth divisions scheduled to start at 14:00 on the 17th will be rescheduled.The English Premier League has also confirmed that all matches scheduled to be played between 15:00 and 16:00 on Sunday will be rescheduled.League officials said they had begun discussing details with clubs and broadcasters and would announce them as soon as possible.
