ATHLETIC'S home clash with Queen of the South this weekend has been brought forward three hours by the SPFL.

The governing body have announced that all of their matches scheduled for this Saturday will kick off at midday after the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral details were confirmed over the weekend.

HRH Prince Philip, who passed away at the age of 99 on Friday, will be laid to rest on Saturday, with the service beginning at 3pm.

The SPFL said: "Following the announcement that HRH Prince Philip’s funeral will take place on Saturday April 17 at 3.00pm, and following discussions with the Scottish FA and other stakeholders, Saturday’s SPFL matches will kick off at 12 noon."

As well as the Pars' clash with the Doonhamers, the Championship matches affected are Alloa Athletic v Raith Rovers, and Arbroath v Ayr United.

In League One, Cove Rangers v Falkirk and East Fife v Peterhead will be played, while Annan Athletic v Brechin City, Cowdenbeath v Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City v Queen's Park and Elgin City v Albion Rovers will take place in League Two.

The fourth round of the Scottish Cup will also be played this weekend, but no details have been confirmed in relation to start times for those fixtures.

In a statement on Saturday, the Scottish Football Association said: "In light of confirmation that the funeral of HRH Prince Philip will take place next Saturday at 3pm, we have entered dialogue with the relevant stakeholders with regard to Scottish Cup Fourth Round fixtures scheduled on that day. 

"We will update participating clubs, supporters and partners in due course."

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, and will be televised.