Yes. I am finding reading this thread depressing. I don't mean I think everyone should do the same but a minute of reflecting on loss of someone who spent his life diligently trying to do his best or, if you don't hold that view, thinking of his sad, bereaved family isn't something dissenters need to be sneery or flippant about.
Do you spend a minute reflecting on the loss of everyone who spent their lives doing their best? And thinking of their families?
I wish the royal family well today, and I sincerely hope that they are able to give the duke the kind of send-off that he wanted. I fully acknowledge that he fulfilled his role with great commitment and a strong sense of duty. However, I don't think he is any more or less worthy than many other people who work hard for their families and communities throughout their lives, often with very little recognition or reward.
I am certainly not sneering at anyone who chooses to observe the minute's silence later today. If it means something to you, then by all means, mark it in whatever way you see fit. However, I also think it's entirely natural that many people won't bother because they will perceive it as irrelevant to their lives. And during a time in which we have lost so many younger people well before their time, including doctors and nurses who have also served the country with great diligence and commitment, it's hardly surprising that some people might be quite upset at the degree of "fuss" being made about a man who has passed away peacefully at the age of 99.
People will inevitably have different perspectives on this, and that is not a reason to get depressed.