Mr Underwood died at the Royal Hobart Hospital last week after suffering a significant setback from an operation to remove a kidney tumour last month.

The 76-year-old was serving his second vice-regal term following a distinguished legal career.

Dignitaries who will be attending the service include Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and all current Australian governors, as well as three former Tasmanian governors.

Premier Will Hodgman and state MPs from all sides of politics will attend, along with several former Tasmanian premiers.

Other guests include family and friends of Mr Underwood, Government House staff and representatives of organisations the Governor was associated with, as well as school students and members of the public.

Family and friends of Mr Underwood will deliver eulogies, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus will perform.

A funeral procession will travel to Government House following the service. 

There will be an army honour guard at the entrance.

The internment will be a private event.

Mr Hodgman has described Mr Underwood as ``a man of tremendous capacity, who was closely connected to the community''.

``I expect legal and vice regal representatives from across the nation and Tasmanians from all walks of life will be among those who will attend the state funeral and celebrate his life,'' Mr Hodgman said.