Prince Philip death: Public asked not to gather and lay flowers at Royal Residences such Balmoral Castle and Holyroodhouse in Scotland

The Cabinet Office has asked the public not to gather or leave floral tributes at Royal Residences, including Balmoral Castle and Holyroodhouse in Scotland, as Prince Philip’s death is announced.

The UK Government’s Cabinet Office has asked people to continue following coronavirus restrictions by not gathering at the Royal Residences across the country during this ‘difficult time.’

Residences include those in Scotland such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as well as the private residence Balmoral Castle located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said: “Although this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel.

A well-wisher reflects at the floral tributes at the gates of The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images).

Supporting the Royal Household, the Cabinet Office have also asked that floral tributes are not laid at these residences.

The spokesperson from the Cabinet Office added: "We are supporting the Royal Household in asking that floral tributes should not be laid at Royal Residences at this time.”

The Royal Family has asked that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by the Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course.

An online Book of Condolence for those who wish to leave messages for the family is available on the Royal Household website.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.