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Grand National will go ahead tomorrow despite death of Prince Philip

The Grand National at Aintree will go ahead tomorrow despite the death of Prince Philip, it has been confirmed.

Following discussions with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Jockey Club Racecourses has confirmed that Randox Grand National Day will take place on 10th April.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was the Queen’s husband for over 73 years, passed away peacefully this morning, Buckingham Palace announced.

In a press release, Jockey Club revealed: “Following consultation with Government, we can confirm that Randox Grand National Day will go ahead on Saturday 10th April 2021.”

A two-minute silence will take place on the course, with jockeys invited to wear black armbands and the flags at the racecourse will be flown at half-mast.

The broadcasting of races at Aintree today were moved to ITV4.

The 173rd Randox Grand National will be broadcast on ITV as planned.

The Duke of Edinburgh married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen, and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. He carried out more than 20,000 solo engagements. 

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Together they had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

HRH had previously been admitted to hospital on 16 February where he remained for two weeks.

He was then transferred to St Bart’s hospital for treatment for an infection and heart condition after which he was discharged on 16 March in “good spirits” according to sources.

You can read all of SWL’s Prince Philip’s Prince Philip coverage here.

Featured Image Credit: Paul via Flickr

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