Buckingham Palace urged people not to break COVID-19 restrictions to lay flowers in tribute to Prince Philip

• People are being urged not to break COVID-19 restrictions to pay tribute to Prince Philip.
• Buckingham Palace released a statement asking the public not to gather in large crowds.
• It also asked people to "consider making a donation to a charity instead."

British mourners are being urged not to gather at the royal residences to lay floral tributes for Prince Philip, after Buckingham Palace announced his death on Friday, April 9.

The 99-year-old died at Windsor Castle just weeks after completing a 4-week hospital stay for a heart condition in March.

Hundreds gathered at the palace gates to pay their respects, but both the royal family and the UK government have urged the public to continue to follow COVID-19 restrictions.

Coronavirus restrictions in England currently limit outdoor gatherings to six people or two households. Those who wish to commemorate Prince Philip can now sign an online book of condolence on the official royal website.

On Friday, a palace spokesperson said in a statement obtained by Insider: "With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with Government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds."

"Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences," it continued. "During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said in a statement sent to Insider: "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 minimizing travel."

"We are supporting the Royal Household in asking that floral tributes should not be laid at Royal Residences at this time," the statement added.

Staff at Buckingham Palace placed a framed plaque on the gates announcing that the duke had died on Friday.

According to The Mirror, those gathering to read the statement were encouraged to consider their safety by wearing masks and lining up behind a barrier. The publication added that due to the attention it attracted from members of the public, the plaque was removed after an hour.

It was reported on Friday that Prince Philip's body will lie in rest at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral, due to take place at nearby St George's Chapel, though a date has not yet been announced by the palace.