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Philip died last April at the age of 99, but Covid restrictions in place at the time limited the guest list to 30; today 1,800 people paid their respects to the man who stood by the queen for 73 years.
The Queen Honored Her Husband
The memorial paid tribute to Prince Philip’s legendary life of service to his country and family. She has canceled many official engagements of late, but she was escorted to the event, and through the church, by her son Prince Andrew.
At one point she stood with a tear in her eye as Andrew stood beside her at Westminster Abbey.
The queen and Prince Philip married at the abbey in November 1947.
The Queen Attended Her Husband’s Memorial Service Today
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Today’s service was attended by an estimated 1,800 individuals ranging from friends and family to world leaders to global dignitaries. Noticeably absent was Prince Harry who defected from the monarchy two years ago for a life of “financial freedom.”
Prince Harry now lives in America with his family and has spared no opportunity to bad mouth his family and the crown. He claimed to not feel “safe” in the UK but will travel in a few days to partake in the fun and games of the Invictus Games in the Hague. Harry and his wife were the only senior royals not there, and for many his snub of his grandfather cements his persona non grata status.
Prince Harry Could Not Be Bothered to Attend
The congregation sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer to end the service and when the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out the Queen stood with tears in her eyes. The 95-year-old monarch used a cane to walk to and from her seat and her presence was confirmed just two hours before the event.
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Choosing Prince Andrew to be her aid dismayed many royal watchers. Last month he settled a sexual abuse case out of court by paying his accuser millions, and he has been in royal mothballs for years.
After the 40 minute service, she was driven back to Windsor Castle with Andrew the Duke of York beside her. It was her first major public engagement in nearly six months. Her Platinum Jubilee takes place in June and speculation will now begin all over again as to whether her health will permit her participation.
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