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Royal aides told the Daily Mail that the monarch has been, “actively involved,” in planning the service to be televised live on BBC 1, the details of which were revealed on Monday.
Royal Family News – The Queen Is Adamant
There was rampant speculation as to whether or not she would be able to attend, having cancelled several recent engagements due to mobility issues. But aides vowed that the monarch would, “travel to London to mark the long and productive life of her husband Philip in what would be her first major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months.”
The program is said to have included many planned elements for Philip’s funeral last April. He died in April at the age of 99, surrounded by his loved ones at Windsor Castle. The funeral was limited to just 30 guests due to Covid restrictions.
Royal Family News – Will The Queen Attend Philip’s Memorial?
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At that time the funeral was in stark contrast to past royal funerals, with mass singing banned, and the Queen sat all alone. This time the service will be as much a celebration of his long and storied life as it is a memorial. Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets will sing the hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, a special request made by Philip prior to his death. The blessing will be given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Additionally, an honor guard, including individuals form the UK cadet force associations, will line the abbey as guests arrive.
Prince Harry Absent From Philip’s Memorial
Another difference from last April’s service is the number of attendees—nearly 2,000. The number includes British and European royalty, representatives of the Duke’s charities, Boris and Carrie Johnson, and Sir David Attenborough. Several foreign dignitaries will also be in attendance.
In order to ensure the queen’s comfort and dignity, it has been reported that she will, “be driven around the side of the building and enter away from public view via the ‘Poet’s Entrance’. She would then have a far shorter walk to her seat.”
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