People ignored government guidance and gathered at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to Prince Philip

• Members of the public showed up outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to Prince Philip.
• The royal's funeral service was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
• Outdoor gatherings in England are currently limited to six people or two households.

Members of the public gathered to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace ahead of Prince Philip's funeral service.

Crowds gathered to observe a one-minute silence outside the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh's London residence before the funeral began in Windsor on Saturday.

Police officers appeared to be patrolling the crowds.

The ceremony took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. It was attended by just 30 people due to the UK government's COVID-19 restrictions.

Coronavirus restrictions in England currently limit outdoor gatherings to six people or two households.

Palace officials previously urged the public not to break restrictions after crowds gathered and laid flowers for the duke outside Buckingham Palace following the news of his death on Friday, April 9.

"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," a palace spokesperson said in a statement obtained by Insider.

"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."

Simon Morgan, former royal protection officer, told Insider ahead of the funeral service: "People may feel that they have to come and show their support for the Queen and the royal family."

"I'm sure the duke would have been embarrassed by the outpouring of grief and the nice things being said about him," he added. "He was a friend and a confidant to a lot of people."

There has been an increased police presence in Windsor following the announcement of the Duke of Edinburgh's death on Friday, April 9.

Officers are patrolling the town to help provide reassurance to local residents, businesses, and visitors, according to a Thames Valley Police press release obtained by Insider.

Morgan said the police would likely encourage the public not to gather outside the funeral before taking any further action.

"If they do deal with it according to the guidelines, they could be accused of being heavy-handed with people showing up to show support," Morgan said. "But if they don't do anything about it, then there would be the accusation that it's just because this is the royal family. So it's a fine line to tread."

This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.