Prince Andrew cheerfully waved at photographers as he and the Queen skipped several royal receptions and returned to Windsor Castle this afternoon after an extraordinary and emotional service in remembrance of Prince Philip and his 99-year life of dedication to Britain and his wife.
Her Majesty became emotional in Westminster Abbey – where she married Prince Philip in November 1947 – having personally ensured her beloved husband’s final wishes were fulfilled after his Covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much.
Today’s service was attended by the Royal Family and his relatives, friends and people who benefitted from his charities and patronages. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the only senior royals not there.
The Queen had stood with tears in her eyes as the 1,800-strong congregation sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer before the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out to mark the end of the memorial service in the central London church where she was crowned just over 70 years ago.
The 95-year-old monarch used a stick as she was walked to and from her seat, supported by her disgraced son the Duke of York, to give her ‘strength and stay’ Philip the final farewell he had wanted. Her Majesty’s presence was only confirmed two hours before it started.
And despite battling mobility problems, she stood to pray and sing hymns that her husband of 73 years had asked for before his death last April. But in a controversial decision she chose Prince Andrew to aid her, clutching his elbow with one hand and a walking stick with the other.
After a poignant service limited to 40 minutes where the watery-eyed monarch sat in one of the Canada chairs with an additional cushion, she was driven the 22-miles back to Windsor Castle with the Duke of York beside her after her first major public engagement for approaching six months.
The 51 European royals who attended the Service of Thanksgiving went to a number of receptions held in London afterwards, including one held at Kensington Palace, home to a number of British royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
In a tweet marking the memorial service with a series of photos of Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote: ‘Joining members of The Royal Family and guests to celebrate the life of The Duke of Edinburgh. The service showcased his dedication to family, Nation, and Commonwealth and paid tribute to his contribution to public life & steadfast support for over 700 charitable organisations.’
Prince Charles hosted a charity reception at St James’ Palace before attending a dinner at Windsor Castle tonight to mark the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th anniversary. It is highly likely he will drop in to see his mother beforehand.
The Queen and Prince Andrew are seen returning to Windsor Castle through the Shaw Farm Gate after Prince Philip’s service
Prince Andrew waved at photographers as he and the Queen returned to Windsor Castle this afternoon following a Westminster Abbey service celebrating Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II is helped into her car by her son Prince Andrew, right, after attending a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip. Mother and son skipped multiple receptions being held in the capital this afternoon
Front and centre of the high profile occasion was the Duke of York, despite Andrew paying millions out of court earlier this month to settle a civil sexual assault case and losing his ‘HRH’
The Queen stood and shed a tear for her husband today at an extraordinary service in remembrance of his life
The Queen closed her eyes in prayer as she joined senior royals to pay tribute to Prince Philip at his memorial at Westminster Abbey. When she opened her eyes they appeared moist
The Queen arrives at the service holding the Duke of York by the elbow with her left hand and her stick with the right
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe (left) walks beside Netherlands’ Princess Beatrix (centre right, in green hat) and in front of Netherlands’ Queen Maxima (back left), Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander (centre) and Monaco’s Prince Albert II (far right) as they leave the service. These royals are understood to have attended a variety of London receptions afterwards
The Queen and Prince Philip revisit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20, 2007
Andrew releases his mother from his arm as she walks the final steps to her seat unaided
Her Majesty stands to sing surrounded by her family with the Duke of York also on the front row.From left to right, front row: Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn. (Second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, Mia Tindall, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall
Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. (second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Princess Beatrice was overwhelmed by the service. Stood behind the Queen she cried and covered her face with the order of service as her grandmother removed her glasses
Her Majesty walked with the help of a stick but stood without support sat next to Charles, Camilla, Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Across the aisle was Prince Andrew
Andrew escorted her to her seat in an extraordinary moment that may have upset other royals. None of the other royals appeared to look up when they arrived
The Queen walks towards her seat at Westminster Abbey after being accompanied down by the aisle by Prince Andrew today
The Queen goes to take her seat as Andrew goes towards his for the service at Westminster Abbey this morning
Prince Andrew travelled with the Queen to Westminster Abbey and appeared to escort her to her seat before taking his own
Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey
The Duke of York (centre) and the Earl of Wessex (right) during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
She spoke to her son inside the car and waved to the crowds outside the service in London, which ended this afternoon
The Queen as she left Westminster Abbey in her Rolls-Royce today, wearing a regal purple and golden brooch
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who last month agreed to settle his sex assault lawsuit, left the service in a car with his mother the Queen
A sombre Prince Charles leaves the church with his wife Camilla, who also looked moved by the celebration of Prince Philip’s life
Charles was seen wiping his eyes at the service where he could say goodbye to his father after a pared back funeral last year. Prince Andrew looked serious as he waited to leave with his mother
Prince William rests a hand on the back of his son Prince George, at the end of the memorial service for Prince Philip
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left the Abbey with two of their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte
Eight-year-old Prince George appeared pensive and sombre after the memorial for his great-grandfather Prince Philip
The Cambridges departing the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
The Duchess of Cambridge smiled out of the window of her car as she left the Abbey with Prince William after the service
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive for the service this morning
The Duchess of Cambridge introduces her daughter Princess Charlotte to the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
Charles, William, George, Camilla, Charlotte and Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey for the service today
Zara, Mia and Mike Tindall arrive for the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh this morning
The Queen sits alone at Philip’s pared-down funeral last April – in stark contrast to today’s celebration. It was one of the defining photos of the pandemic, where many Britons were forced to mourn their loved ones in small ceremonies, sometimes alone
The Queen has rallied to join close family, friends, foreign royals and hundreds of charity workers in remembrance of her beloved husband the Duke of Edinburgh at a poignant memorial service.
Queen, Camilla and Anne all wear green for their beloved Prince Philip
It was a touching tribute to a much-missed Duke of Edinburgh as the Queen and senior royal women stepped out in Edinburgh Green for Philip’s memorial service.
All wearing the same shade, the monarch, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal sat in the front row of royal seats in Westminster Abbey, united in remembrance of Philip.
The duke’s official dark green livery colour was known as Edinburgh Green.
It was used for his staff liveries – the duke’s page at the coronation wore dark green and silver – and private cars.
The monarch’s brooch was another nod to her late husband of more than 70 years.
She chose her yellow gold, ruby and diamond scarab brooch, designed by Andrew Grima, which was a personal gift from Philip in 1966.
Camilla wore her Rifles brooch in recognition of the moment when her father-in-law handed over his role as colonel-in-chief of the regiment to her in 2020.
Others in the congregation also wore dark green, including Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare, who delivered a special tribute about the effect Philip’s youth scheme had on her life.
The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a high-necked black dress with white polka dots and a textured wide-brimmed black hat.
Front and centre of the high profile occasion was the Duke of York, despite Andrew paying millions out of court earlier this month to settle a civil sexual assault case.
After she leant on Andrew as she walked back out of the church, the Queen appeared to grimace as she walked to the car hunched over with the Duke of York at her side guiding her towards the Bentley.
She appeared to be holding tightly to her stick and appeared to be making a great effort to get to the vehicle, concentrating very hard in taking each step. Once inside the car she appeared to be back to her normal composed self as the car slowly drove away. She waved to onlookers as she arrived and left the service.
The Queen and the packed abbey had listened as the Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Philip’s intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family.
The Right Reverend David Conner described the duke as a ‘remarkable man’ who was committed to ‘a host of down-to-earth enterprises’. He pointed out that the duke could be ‘abrupt’, and suggested that at times he could forget ‘just how intimidating he could be’.
Princess Beatrice was seen to give a small chuckle as the Dean remarked: ‘He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.’ But then appeared to break down in tears, covering her face with the order of service.
The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal were all dressed in dark green in a subtle tribute to Philip, whose livery colour was Edinburgh Green. A number of others throughout the congregation also wore the shade, including Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare who delivered a special tribute about the effect Philip’s youth scheme had on her life.
After the service the Queen expressed her appreciation for her speech that described the impact Philip’s best remembered charitable project had on her life and career.
Flowers at today’s service are a patriotic red, white and blue, at Her Majesty’s request. They included dendrobium orchids, which also featured in the Queen’s wedding bouquet, and eryngium – or sea holly – echoing the duke’s career in the Royal Navy and lifelong affection for the sea. There were also multiple tributes to his intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family and his country.
The Duke of York’s prominent role at the Westminster Abbey service – escorting his mother – was the Queen’s way of showing that her second son still has a place at family occasions, according to a royal commentator.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt told the PA news agency: ‘It didn’t happen by chance.
‘He could have sat in the congregation with others, with his relatives, but they actively decided that he would have this role of supporting her.
‘So she has chosen, in essence, to remind people that he hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, he’s not guilty of anything, he’s innocent.
‘And she’s very clearly stating that he has a role at family occasions.’
He went on: ‘It’s one thing to accept that he should attend his father’s memorial service.
‘It’s quite another thing to then give him quite a prominent role, so it was an active choice to give him such a prominent role.’
Mr Hunt said he found it ‘fascinating’, and said: ‘Did William and Charles try to intervene? And clearly if they did then they failed.’
He added: ‘I think you have to start from the basis that Charles and William will have been in the driving seat with the Queen of removing Andrew from public life.
‘Both of them will have been very aware of the risks of Andrew having this role. So either they decided that they could justify it on the basis that it was an event for his father, or they did try to suggest this wasn’t a good idea and the Queen chose not to listen to them.’
Royal commentator Robert Jobson said: ‘It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son.
‘As she did when she made a statement about Camilla being Queen’s Consort, many people will now accept the Queen’s word and judgment.’
She said there was disquiet among senior members of the family, ‘but she insisted.’
He told People: ‘It does make some sense that he accompany her because he doesn’t have a partner. A settlement has been paid but he’s guilty of nothing in the eyes of the law.
‘She has faith in Andrew. Even if he disappears from public life, he’s been able to pay tribute to his father, who after all, was very proud of his service in the Royal Navy, where he fought in the Falkland Islands conflict’.
Her Majesty had arrived at the side door of the church, allowing her to walk a shorter distance from Poets’ Corner to the front where she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She stood at various points in the service, despite her own admission recently that she is struggling to move.
Westminster Abbey was completely packed today to celebrate the 99-year life of Prince Philip as Her Majesty battled mobility issues and fought off covid to be there to say goodbye to her husband after 73 years of marriage.
The event, attended by most of the Duke of Edinburgh’s family and many of Europe’s most senior royals, is in the starkest of contrasts to his pared back funeral at Windsor last April when Her Majesty said goodbye to her strength and stay after 73 years of marriage.
The Queen finally decided to attend today’s service in Central London around two hours before but the coverage of the Service of Thanksgiving was dominated by her extraordinary decision to travel with her disgraced son Prince Andrew from Windsor Castle to Central London.
Her Majesty was determined to be amongst the 1,800 guests despite the 95-year-old’s mobility problems that have prevented her doing a major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months. The Tindalls were the first close family to arrive, followed Princess Anne, the Wessexes, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and then the Cambridges, who were with their children George and Charlotte. The Queen was the last to arrive with Andrew.
It was a move that royal watchers believe may have upset her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William – both instrumental in the decision to take away the Duke of York’s ‘HRH’.
The Queen chose her second son to join her in the back of her royal car for the 22-mile journey and he was also given a front row in the church, right next to his other siblings at the service just weeks after he paid millions to one of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex slaves, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused him of having sex with her three times when she was trafficked to London aged 17.
The Queen’s state limousine arrived at Poets’ Yard entrance with Andrew sat beside her. As they walked through the famous section of the abbey towards her seat, in a small procession, the monarch held onto her son’s elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right.
They walked at a slow but steady pace both looking ahead, and at the end of the aisle they separated – with Andrew giving a last glance to his mother as she turned right. After the first hymn, Charles, who was sat next to her mother, could be seen leaning over to speak to the Queen seated next to him – but it is not clear what was said. The Queen then delved into her black Launer handbag for her glasses to read the order of service.
After the 40 minute service, Her Majesty was escorted out of the abbey by the Duke of York. As the monarch stopped to greet Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare, Andrew stood back and at one point broke into a smile.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first to leave Westminster Abbey alongside the abbey’s chapter.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed. All four royals waved at the crowd outside as they were driven away in black cars.
The Queen and her alleged favourite son the Duke of York were seen talking in their car as they left the service together
Prince Charles left the service in memorial of his father alongside the Reverend David Stanton, Westminster Abbey’s Canon Treasure and sub-Dean
The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton held the hand of her daughter Charlotte, 6, as they left Westminster Abbey
Prince George looked solemn in a smart navy blue suit as he walked in front of his father Prince William while the Cambridges were leaving the service today
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, who is the second child and only daughter of the Queen and Prince Philip, leaving the service in memory of her father
Princess Anne wore scarlet lipstick and large pearl earrings that accompanied her blue-green outfit with black trimmings
Prince Kyril of Preslav (left) in conversation with Penelope Knatchbull, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma (right)
Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI of Spain left the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Philip
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands left the service together. They both wore grey, with Queen Maxima pairing her outfit with a midnight black blouse and hat while King Willem-Alexander wore a charcoal grey suit
The Queen’s eldest granddaughter Zara Tindall was accompanied by her husband Mike and daughter Mia Grace after the service
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, left the service together, followed by Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn, left the memorial together
The Duke of Kent, 86, leaving after for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands left the service at Westminster Abbey arm-in-arm
Queen Letizia of Spain, 49, left the service for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in an emerald dress
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands depart after the Memorial Service For The Duke Of Edinburgh
Serbia’s Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine left the memorial service at Westminster Abbey earlier today
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and her husband Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is 31st in line to the throne as the youngest of George V and Queen Mary’s nine grandchildren
She left as she arrived, being supported by her son Andrew – reputedly her favourite
The royals, led by the Queen despite her recent health issues, join the congregation in singing hymns during today’s service
Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey
The Queen has been ‘actively involved’ in plans for the service ‘with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes’
Prince Andrew walked his mother up the aisle after she arrived via a side door rather than the main entrance to shorten the distance
The Queen stands for the first hymn at the service in remembrance of her beloved husband Prince Philip
The Queen, 95, fought frailty to be in the church with her family at an event she had helped plan for her husband
Her Majesty listens to the various eulogies to her husband at the Service of Remembrance held almost a year after his funeral
The royal family paying an emotional tribute to Prince Philip at today’s service at Westminster Abbey
The congregation takes its place ahead of the service. The Queen made the final decision to attend this morning, hours before she was due to travel the 22 miles from Windsor Castle to Central London. She held Andrew’s elbow
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, right, arrive for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Despite her frailty, Queen Elizabeth II stands during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey today
Today the monarch ensured that her beloved husband’s final wishes are fulfilled after his Covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much. Her Majesty has been ‘actively involved’ in every element of his service of thanksgiving that will see Westminster Abbey packed to the rafters.
Even the smallest of touches have been overseen by the Queen, including the use of orchids that formed part of her 1947 wedding bouquet being used in small posies of flowers.
Prince Philip’s beloved Sea Cadets and young people who have taken his Duke of Edinburgh awards are centre stage at the service that will see the Abbey reverberate with the sound of hymns including Guide me, O thou great Redeemer.
All Prince Philip’s family chose to attend apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. On Prince Andrew’s left is his brother the Earl of Wessex and Edward’s family the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Across an aisle on his right is the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales and the Queen.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte also attended with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and be sat behind the Queen. Behind Andrew and Edward’s family were Peter Phillips, and Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family were celebrated in an address by the Dean of Windsor.
The Right Reverend David Conner paid tribute to Philip as a ‘remarkable man’ who was committed to ‘a host of down-to-earth enterprises’.
He pointed out that the duke could be ‘abrupt’ and suggested that at times he could forget ‘just how intimidating he could be’.
Addressing the congregation in Westminster Abbey, Mr Conner said: ‘He was practical, wanting to put flesh upon his dreams, and (acknowledging the limitations of living in this so-called ‘real world’) he devoted his astonishing intellectual and physical energy, his enormous capacity for sheer hard work, to a host of down-to-earth enterprises.
‘These included the equipping of young people to face tomorrow’s challenges, the encouragement of respect and care for the natural order, and his pioneering work in facilitating conversation between representatives of the different world faiths.
‘Through his passionate commitment, he drew others to himself in admiration and respect and, in the case of those who lived and worked most closely to him, genuine love.’
The Queen remained seated during the service with aides taking special measures to ensure her comfort after recent heath issues
Despite recent fears over Her Majesty’s health, she joined the rest of her family at today’s service for her late husband
Princess Charlotte and Prince George sit with the mother the Duchess of Cambridge during today’s service at Westminster Abbey
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by clergy as they arrived ahead of today’s service of celebration for Prince Philip
A serious looking Prince William sits down next to his wife, George and Charlotte to say goodbye to his grandfather
The Queen sat beside Andrew, the royal who lost his HRH just weeks ago over his links to Epstein and civil case
Crowds piled outside Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to Prince Philip as the service in his memorial continued
Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Service Of Thanksgiving For The Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
Mr Conner added: ‘He would hate to think that I should paint a picture of him as a ‘plaster saint’; someone without the usual human foibles and failings.
‘He was far too self-aware ever to be taken in by flattery. Of course, it must be said that his life bore the marks of sacrifice and service.
‘Certainly, he could show great sympathy and kindness. There is no doubt that he had a delightfully engaging, and often self-deprecating, sense of humour.
‘It is quite clear that his mind held together both speculation and common sense. Moreover, nobody would ever doubt his loyalty and deep devotion to our Queen and to their family.
‘Yet, there were times when he could be abrupt; maybe, in robust conversation, forgetting just how intimidating he could be.
‘A kind of natural reserve sometimes made him seem a little distant. He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.
‘On the other hand, we should not forget that he himself was sometimes wounded by being unfairly criticised or misunderstood.’
Concluding his address, the dean said: ‘As we give thanks for the life of a remarkable man, perhaps our greatest tribute to him, most especially in these far too troubled times, will be for us to accept the challenge, implicit in his life, to rekindle in our hearts something of that call, and to pray (as I think he did) for the inspiration and the guidance to play our part, however small, in working for a kinder future.
Queen Elizabeth II is driven in to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
The Cambridges arrived at the church hand in hand with their children Charlotte and George. Louis stayed at home
The Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte arrive at today’s service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Charles shook hands with the clergy as they entered the church just before Midday
Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today
Princess Eugenie (left) and Princess Beatrice (right) pictured arriving at a service of thanksgiving for late Prince Philip
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arriving at the poignant Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Peter Phillips with Isla Phillips and Savannah Phillips (right) arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Timothy Laurence and Anne, Princess Royal, arriving ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Princess Royal arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh and greeting Duke of Edinburgh award recipients
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrive at Westminster Abbey
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) today ahead of the service to remember Prince Philip
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle to travel to Westminster Abbey this morning, with her son Prince Andrew sat on her right
While the Queen’s arrival at Westminster Abbey was mentioned in the order of service, a final decision on her attendance was only confirmed two hours before because of her frailty.
The Princess Royal arrived at Westminster Abbey. Wearing a long green dress and hat, Anne arrived alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Peter Phillips’ children Savannah and Isla were sitting next to their cousin Mia, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. The girls were dressed in navy with their hair fixed back with headbands.
Once inside Westminster Abbey, guests were escorted to their seats, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands smiling at members of the Abbey’s chapter, or governing body, standing by the great West Door, as they walked in. The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children also smiled warmly at the welcoming clergy.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and her daughter, Lady Louise, smiled and chatted to each other after taking their seats in the Abbey.
The Duke’s family ahead of the service: In the second row is Peter Philips with daughters Savannah and Isla. Next to them is Mia Tindall with parents Zara Philips and Mike Tindall. In the front row are Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex with children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn
The Cambridges arrived shortly after Prince Charles and Camilla ahead of today’s memorial service for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey for the memorial service to Prince Philip today. She was joined by Prince William and her children George and Charlotte
The Tindalls were the first senior British royals to arrive, holding one of their daughter Mia’s hands
Lady Louise Windsor arriving at the Westminster Abbey service for Prince Philip today. The Service will pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today
Peter Phillips attended the service with his children Savannah and Isla
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice file into the main church
Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent attend the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle in a car this morning with her disgraced son Prince Andrew to travel to London
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving for Philip
A graphic shows the plan for the service to remember Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey taking place this morning
Lady Susan Hussey, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, arrives with her foot in a brace and on crutches at Westminster Abbey today
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives at Westminster Abbey for the service this morning
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick (left) and Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart (right) arrive today
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right) arrive at Westminster Abbey this morning
Guests walk into Westminster Abbey and take their seats ahead of this morning’s service to remember Prince Philip
Chancellor Rishi Sunak (left) and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (right) at Westminster Abbey today
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England (right), arrive this morning
Guests arrive for Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
Guests arrive for Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
Members of the congregation queue at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service of thanksgiving for the life of Philip
Guests arrive to attend the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning
David Rushforth from Worcestershire, a former Chief Petty Officer aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, who served between 1976 and 1979, was among those who attended today’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry faces ‘lifetime of regret’ for missing memorial to his beloved grandfather
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle could ‘regret’ not attending the memorial service for his grandfather Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey today – and the Queen is likely to be ‘very upset’ but cannot change his mind, royal experts say.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to remain at home in Montecito, California, while the rest of the Royal Family gather in London for the poignant event.
Harry last returned to the UK eight months ago to unveil the statue of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales in London on July 1 with his brother Prince William.
The Duke – one of the Queen and Philip’s eight grandchildren – is the only top-level royal not attending today’s service which was organised by the monarch.
Royal author Phil Dampier told MailOnline: ‘It’s very sad that Harry and Meghan won’t be at Prince Philip’s memorial service and I think one day Harry might regret it. He has said that he doesn’t feel safe without Scotland Yard security but to me that sounds like an excuse not to come back to the UK and indicates the rift with his blood family is still bad.
‘Harry was always very fond of his grandfather and was deeply honoured when he took over from him as Captain General of the Royal Marines, but sadly that didn’t last long. The pair attended some Remembrance Day events together and there was always a rapport between them, both being serving military men who had seen active service.’
Mr Dampier said that Harry ‘loved’ Philip’s sense of humour and praised him in interviews, adding that this makes his non-attendance ‘all the more mystifying and strange’.
He said: ‘It was a wonderful service, a real fitting memorial. He was a fascinating character who I was fortunate to meet many times. He was a Naval man and his input on how Britannia should be managed in the days following the death of the Queen’s father George VI was invaluable.
‘It was also a very sad day, particularly for the Queen, but I think she looked good, all things considered and I hope she thought that the service was the right way to remember her husband.’
Sue Calvert, 67, joint chair of charity Action Medical Research, travelled to London from her home in Thirsk, North Yorkshire for this morning’s service. She said: ‘Prince Philip was patron of Action Medical Research for 70-years so I was honoured to be here to pay my last respects. I thought it was a very moving service and a very fitting tribute.
‘I was a little worried at first because waiting for the service to begin, I was looking around for the Queen and I just couldn’t see her. I thought she’d been unable to make it but a gentleman next to me pointed to where she had come in. The Queen had come through a different entrance and I was so emotional when I saw she had made it.
‘I thought the choice of hymns was beautiful and listening to the National anthem gave me goosebumps.’
The Right Honourable Lord Bradley attended today’s service in his guise as Pro Chancellor of the University of Salford, along with Festus Robert, the president of Salford’s Student Union.
Lord Bradley, 71, said: ‘It was a very appropriate memorial which encapsulated his life and interests. Prince Philip served as the first Salford University Chancellor from 1967 to 1991. I met him on many occasions in my previous role as MP for Manchester Withington and I thought it was a beautiful service befitting of such a captivating character.
Mr Robert, 30, added: ‘It was a lovely morning, a moving service to someone who gave a lot to the University of Salford and to young people in general in the form of the Duke of Edinburgh award.’
Earlier today, royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of Prince Philip’s Century, told GB News: ‘I think that Prince Andrew may play a more prominent role than we think earlier on. My understanding is that someone has to support the Queen and he may well be by her side. I think Charles will probably be with Camilla.’
Overnight, royal aides revealed the Queen has been ‘actively involved’ in plans for the service ‘with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes’ as the order of service was unveiled at midnight.
It includes several elements the Duke had planned for his funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in April last year but which were forbidden by Covid restrictions at the time.
Among them is the involvement of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets, his expressed wish for the congregation to sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for clergy from the royal estates of Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part.
His funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor was limited to just 30 mourners in the midst of the pandemic and mass singing was banned, with the Queen sitting alone in a mask.
Around 1,800 guests are due at today’s service, including British and European royalty, representatives of the many charities of which the duke was patron or president, Boris and Carrie Johnson, and Sir David Attenborough.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not returning from the US for the service.
While the Queen’s arrival was mentioned in the order of service, it is understood that a final decision on her attendance was not made until first thing this morning.
She has recently been forced to pull out of a string of engagements because of ill health and old age. She was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service this month because of concerns about her mobility and comfort.
Palace and Abbey aides are thought to have taken steps to ensure that the service is less taxing for the Queen.
Instead of arriving at the usual West Entrance to the Abbey, which would involve steps and a long walk down the Nave in front of the cameras, the Queen could 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 down the South Transept to her seat. It is likely she would walk with the aid of a stick.
The service will gave thanks for the duke’s dedication to family, nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.
One of the elements planned for the funeral which has now been included in the service will see nine Gold Award holders from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, plus representatives from UK Cadet Force Associations, line entry routes into Westminster Abbey.
Philip, who died in April last year aged 99, launched the DofE Award in 1956 and was Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force, a role he first took up in 1953.
A tenth DofE gold award holder, Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London, will give a tribute to His Royal Highness’s legacy, recognising the impact of the Award on young people across the globe.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, will conduct the service and describe the duke in the Bidding as ‘a man of rare ability and distinction’ who ‘ever directed our attention away from himself.’
He will say: ‘He put privilege to work and understood his rank as a spur to service. Working at pace, with so many claims on his attention, he encouraged us to focus, as he was focussed, on the things that matter.
‘His was a discipline and character that seized opportunity and overcame obstruction and difficulty. We recall, with affection and respect, the sustained offering of a long life lived fully.’
Royal fans watch out for guests at the service to remember the late Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning
Royal fans stand next to barriers at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh
Guests begin to arrive for the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning
Television broadcasting staff gather outside Westminster Abbey this morning ahead of Prince Philip’s memorial service
Royal fans stand next to barriers at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh
Royal superfan John Loughrey, from Stretham in Cambridgeshire, stands outside Westminster Abbey this morning
It was the duke’s expressed wish that clergy from Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral – known as The Queen’s domestic chaplains – played a part in his funeral service, but this was not possible due to the Covid restrictions.
Today the Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie Minister of Crathie Church, the regular place of worship of the British royal family when they are in residence at nearby Balmoral Castle, the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of Sandringham, and the Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Chaplain to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, will offer prayers recognising Philip’s energy, spirit of adventure and ‘good stewardship of the environment’.
The Queen and Philip were married in the Abbey in November 1947 and it holds many special memories.
Flowers at today’s service will be red, white and blue. They will include dendrobium orchids, which also featured in the Queen’s wedding bouquet, and eryngium – or sea holly – echoing the duke’s career in the Royal Navy and lifelong affection for the sea.
The Queen attended the opening of the Welsh Parliament on October 14 last year. Since then she has conducted engagements at Windsor Castle, where she is now based, and visited Sandringham in February.
Queen’s olive branch to Andrew: Disgraced Duke’s prominent role at his mother’s side for memorial ‘was her way of showing he STILL has place at family occasions’ – after William and Charles ‘forced’ his exile from public life
Prince Andrew today returned to the royal fold at the memorial service for his late father Prince Philip – after travelling to Westminster Abbey with his mother the Queen before accompanying her down the aisle.
Royal commentators said the surprise move was the 95-year-old monarch’s way of ‘very clearly stating that he has a role at family occasions’ and that ‘many people will now accept the Queen’s word and judgment’.
The Duke of York had a front row seat at the service, sitting close to his other siblings, with his daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess also in attendance – but there was no sign of his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York.
The Queen’s decision to have Andrew accompany her comes despite him paying up to £12million earlier this month to settle a US civil sexual assault case – and it will be seen as a major signal of support to her second son.
The Queen’s state limousine arrived at the Poets’ Yard entrance of the Abbey with Andrew sat beside her at around 11.30am this morning. As they walked through the famous Poets’ Corner towards her seat in the abbey, in a small procession, the monarch held onto her son’s elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right.
The monarch and her son walked at a slow but steady pace both looking ahead, and at the end of the aisle they separated – with Andrew giving a last glance to his mother as she turned right. After the first hymn, Prince Charles could be seen leaning over to speak to the Queen who was seated next to him.
After the service, the Queen was again escorted out of the Abbey by Andrew. As the monarch stopped to greet Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare, Andrew stood back and at one point broke into a smile.
Andrew, 62, who has been keeping a low profile since the end of 2019, is said to have been determined to honour his late father the Duke of Edinburgh despite fears his presence could dominate coverage of the event.
Ex-BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said: ‘It didn’t happen by chance. He could have sat in the congregation with others, with his relatives, but they actively decided that he would have this role of supporting her. So she has chosen, in essence, to remind people that he hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, he’s not guilty of anything, he’s innocent. And she’s very clearly stating that he has a role at family occasions.’
But he also said that the downside of Andrew having had such a prominent role in his father’s memorial service is that it is a reminder of his ‘many errors of judgment that have led him to being removed from public life’. Mr Hunt added: ‘It’s one thing to accept that he should attend his father’s memorial service. It’s quite another thing to then give him quite a prominent role, so it was an active choice to give him such a prominent role.’
Mr Hunt said he found it ‘fascinating’, and said: ‘Did William and Charles try to intervene? And clearly if they did then they failed.’ He added: ‘I think you have to start from the basis that Charles and William will have been in the driving seat with the Queen of removing Andrew from public life. Both of them will have been very aware of the risks of Andrew having this role. So either they decided that they could justify it on the basis that it was an event for his father, or they did try to suggest this wasn’t a good idea and the Queen chose not to listen to them.
‘The key issue today for them is remembering Prince Philip. Instead of which people are remembering Prince Philip and commentating on the fact his son, Prince Andrew, had such a prominent role at his memorial service.’
Mr Hunt said he imagines Andrew would have been ‘very keen’ on having the role of escorting his mother, adding: ‘It would be for others to dissuade him.’
He also questioned how it would be perceived in the United States and elsewhere in the world. ‘It’s one thing to organise an event to satisfy the needs and the desires of the family members, it’s quite another to then step back from it and see how it is seen around the world, and I don’t yet know what that judgment will be.
‘But the risk for them is it reopens yet again the whole can of worms for them about Prince Andrew’s judgment, it reminds them about his missteps and it raises questions about the wisdom of allowing him to have a prominent role when he could just have attended as everyone else did,’ he said.
And royal author Victoria Murphy added: ‘Because of the nature of the event, I don’t think Prince Andrew’s appearance alongside the Queen is an indication that anything has changed as far as his public role goes. But it does send a message that he still has a very important role by her side in her personal life.’
Meanwhile royal expert Robert Jobson, author of Prince Philip’s Century, told People magazine of Andrew’s appearance: ‘It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son. As she did when she made a statement about Camilla being Queen’s Consort, many people will now accept the Queen’s word and judgment.’
He said some senior royals were unimpressed, ‘but she insisted’. ‘It does make some sense that he accompany her because he doesn’t have a partner,’ he said. ‘A settlement has been paid but he’s guilty of nothing in the eyes of the law. She has faith in Andrew. Even if he disappears from public life, he’s been able to pay tribute to his father, who after all, was very proud of his service in the Royal Navy, where he fought in the Falkland Islands conflict.’
Andrew’s role at the ceremony was revealed hours earlier by Mr Jobson, who told GB News this morning: ‘I think that Prince Andrew may play a more prominent role than we think earlier on. My understanding is that someone has to support the Queen and he may well be by her side. I think Charles will probably be with Camilla.’
Another royal commentator said Andrew’s role may have been a matter of ‘practicality’ as much as anything else. Asked if he viewed Andrew’s role at the memorial service as a way of the Queen showing support for her son, Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine, said: ‘It’s hard to interpret how it came about. I’m not sure that the Queen would necessarily regard it in that way.’
He said it might have just been ‘a practicality as much as anything’ and a plan that ‘fitted the purposes of the occasion’. Mr Little added: ‘I mean clearly with him by her side then the support is there physically and in every other way really.’ He pointed out that Andrew has not been found guilty of anything, adding: ‘It’s a complicated situation on a very personal level for the Queen as his mother.’
Mr Little also pointed out that, like the Queen, Andrew was also travelling from Windsor for the service. Asked if he was surprised by Andrew’s role of escorting his mother, he said: ‘I suppose we should always expect the unexpected on big royal occasions, and I don’t think anybody had guessed that this is what would happen. But I suppose we could look at it in many ways, but the Queen was coming from Windsor.
‘Andrew was coming from Windsor. So it made sense to have a member of the family travel with her. Clearly it’s the first time that we’ve seen him for a long time since all the legal wranglings were settled, so some people will argue that he shouldn’t have been as prominent, but then we have to remember that he was the Duke of Edinburgh’s son, so you know, really, he is just as entitled to be there as his siblings.’
Palace sources said in January that the ‘ruthless and swift’ decision to strip Andrew of his military titles by the Queen had been ‘widely discussed’ within the Royal Family following the Duke’s failed bid to persuade a judge to dismiss the civil lawsuit in which he was accused of having sex with a trafficking victim.
Prince Charles and his son William were understood to have been ‘instrumental’ in the move to force him out before the Queen made up her mind and summoned him for a meeting, after the court verdict. On March 8, it was revealed he had paid an estimated £12million to his accuser – bringing the case against him to a close.
But Andrew has been frozen out of the Royal Family in terms of public events, and was not present at Westminster Abbey earlier this month for the Commonwealth Day Service which was attended by senior royals including Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate – but not the Queen, who was forced to pull out due to her health.
Buckingham Palace officials confirmed overnight that Princess Beatrice would attend along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, while Princess Eugenie was also there with her husband Jack Brooksbank.
On Andrew’s left in the Abbey was his brother the Earl of Wessex and Edward’s family the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. Across an aisle on his right was the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales and the Queen.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte also attended with Prince William and Kate, and were sat behind the Queen. Behind Andrew and Edward’s family was Peter Phillips, and Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.
The Queen held onto Andrew’s elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen walks towards her seat at Westminster Abbey after being accompanied down by the aisle by Prince Andrew today
The Queen goes to take her seat as Andrew goes towards his for the service at Westminster Abbey this morning
The Queen is accompanied by Prince Andrew as she walks down the aisle at Westminster Abbey for the service this morning
Prince Andrew takes his seat after walking the Queen down the aisle at Westminster Abbey for Philip’s service this morning
The Queen is pictured on the left, and Prince Andrew on the right during the service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip today
The Queen and Prince Andrew both sit on the front row at Westminster Abbey for the memorial service this morning
The Queen and Prince Andrew walked through the famous Poets’ Corner towards her seat at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen is aided by Prince Andrew today as they attend the thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh in London
Andrew watches as his mother the Queen gets into a car following the service at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen and Prince Andrew leave after attending a service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
Prince Andrew leaves after attending a service of thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey today
The Queen and Prince Andrew leave by car after attending the service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip today
Yesterday, the Duke was spotted going horse riding at Windsor Great Park, along with two grooms. He was also photographed driving near Windsor Castle in his hybrid electric Range Rover.
The Duke formally settled the alleged rape case against him by ‘sex slave’ accuser Virginia Roberts at a court in New York earlier this month, after he paid her an estimated £12million. He has always denied the allegations.
Courtiers believe the Duke will effectively disappear from public life after today’s poignant event, where he is likely to rub shoulders with representatives from charities and organisations he has been forced to part ways with.
Prince Philip – who died last April aged 99 – was Colonel of the Grenadier Guards for more than 40 years, and Andrew took over the role in 2017, but it was one of the military titles he was made to give up earlier this year.
The Duke of York has hardly been seen in public since he stepped down from royal life following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal – with the Queen stripping him of his military affiliations and royal patronages in January.
The Queen and Prince Andrew are driven by car after attending the service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip today
The Queen and Prince Andrew arrive together for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey today
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew arrive for the service of thanksgiving for late Prince Philip this morning
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) today ahead of the service to remember Prince Philip
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle in a car this morning with her disgraced son Prince Andrew to travel to London
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving for Philip
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle to travel to Westminster Abbey this morning, with her son Prince Andrew sat on her right
The Queen arranged for the service for Philip to take place, and the congregation included family, friends, dignitaries and representatives of the many organisations with which the Duke of Edinburgh was associated.
But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not return the California for the service amid concerns raised by the couple over their security, although Harry plans to go to Holland next month to attend the Invictus Games.
Members of the Royal Family were joined by more than 30 foreign royals, the duke’s family and friends and 500 representatives from charities and organisations of which he was patron.
The Queen and Philip were married in the Abbey in November 1947 and it holds many special memories. About 1,800 guests attended today. By contrast, his funeral was limited to 30 people because of Covid restrictions.
Prince Andrew is spotted going horse riding in Windsor today ahead of the memorial service for Prince Philip
The Duke of York is accompanied by two grooms as he goes out riding at Windsor Great Park in Berkshire yesterday morning
Andrew is said to be determined to honour his father despite fears his presence could dominate coverage of the service
The Duke of York goes horse riding at Windsor Great Park yesterday morning ahead of today’s memorial service for Philip
Prince Andrew is seen driving near Windsor Castle yesterday morning ahead of the memorial service for his late father today
Earlier this month, Andrew paid up to £12million to his US sex accuser – bringing the civil case against him almost to a close.
‘Stipulation of Dismissal’ documents were filed with a New York court on March 8, with lawyers on both sides calling for the legal action to be dismissed, indicating the settlement has been paid.
As the order was published, the Treasury confirmed no taxpayer funds were used for either the payment to Virginia Roberts or for the Duke of York’s legal fees.
A freedom of information request asked whether any money from the Sovereign Grant to the Royal Family or any other government money was used. The Treasury insisted: ‘No public money has been used to pay legal or settlement fees.’
A graphic shows the plan for the service to remember Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey which takes place this morning
The joint order filed with the New York court said each party would pay their own costs and fees.
Miss Roberts – bringing the case under her married name of Giuffre – had sued Andrew for alleged sexual abuse. She claimed he had sex with her when she was 17 after he was trafficked by his friend, the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The duke will make a ‘substantial donation’ to a charity for sex abuse victims set up by Miss Roberts, now a 38-year-old mother-of-three. He said he now regrets his association with Epstein.
Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal duties and public life as a result of the scandal, previously claimed he had no recollection of meeting Miss Roberts and has always strongly denied her allegations. But he agreed to the settlement last month.
Duke of York in profile: From Falklands War hero to controversial royal who settled sex case for £12million
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of York arriving to attend a church service in Hillington, Norfolk, on January 19, 2020
During the Duke of York’s life, the ‘Playboy Prince’ has earned high regard for his bravery during the Falklands War and served as a trade envoy, but he is best known as the man whose reputation was left in tatters amid the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.
As a young man, he was one of the world’s most eligible bachelors and earned himself the nickname ‘Randy Andy’ after being linked to a string of beautiful women.
But later in life his connections with controversial foreign figures raised concerns and he was dubbed ‘Air Miles Andy’ after being criticised for his globe-trotting, especially helicopter trips to pursue his passion for golf.
At 22, Andrew saw active service in the Royal Navy as a Sea King helicopter pilot in the Falklands War. His service included flying his aircraft as a decoy target, trying to divert deadly Exocet missiles away from British ships.
He later married and divorced the bubbly, flame-haired Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson, who herself has generated some of the most humiliating royal scandals of modern times.
When a bachelor for a second time, Andrew again made headlines, having been spotted cavorting with topless women on holiday in Thailand, and attending a ‘hookers and pimps’ party with Robert Maxwell’s daughter, Ghislaine Maxwell, in the US.
After serving for 22 years in the Royal Navy, the duke became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment, but his 10 years in the role generated a great deal of controversy.
As a roving ambassador, one of his first tasks was a post-September 11 trip to New York, but he was criticised for attending a party during his stay.
Andrew has faced questions over his connections to politicians in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Libya and Turkmenistan.
His judgment was questioned after he held meetings with Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif, and when he entertained the son-in-law of Tunisia’s ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at Buckingham Palace.
His relations with Timur Kulibayev, son-in-law of the then-president of Kazakhstan, were also scrutinised after Mr Kulibayev purchased the duke’s Sunninghill Park home for £3 million more than its £12 million asking price in 2007.
Simon Wilson, Britain’s deputy head of mission in Bahrain from 2001 to 2005, wrote in the Daily Mail that the duke was ‘more commonly known among the British diplomatic community in the Gulf as HBH: His Buffoon Highness’.
In 2011, it emerged that Andrew was friends with American financier Epstein, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Photos surfaced of him with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, who claimed that Epstein employed her as a masseuse but exploited her while a teenage minor.
The duke was also pictured walking in New York’s Central Park with Epstein in December 2010, a year after Epstein’s release from prison, and this led him to quit his role as a trade envoy.
In 2013, Andrew was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, but Britain’s pre-eminent scientific institution faced unprecedented dissent from members over the move, with one professor describing the duke as an ‘unsavoury character’.
Tech-savvy Andrew, who was the first member of the royal family to have an official Twitter account under his own name, focused on his Pitch@Palace work, bringing together industry experts with young entrepreneurs and technology start-ups.
Then in 2015, while enjoying a New Year skiing holiday with his family, he was named in US court documents as having had sex a number of times with a teenage girl, a minor under US law.
The woman alleged she was ‘procured’ for the duke by Epstein, whom she accused of using her as a ‘sex slave’. She was identified in reports as Giuffre, the US teenager with whom Andrew had been pictured. The duke vehemently denied the allegation.
In April 2015, a US federal judge ordered the claims to be struck from civil court records as the long-running lawsuit against Epstein continued.
But Andrew’s association with Epstein hit the headlines once again in 2019, amid ongoing investigations into the American, who killed himself in prison in August that year while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
The duke’s appearance on the BBC’s Newsnight programme later in November was intended to draw a line under the matter.
But it was dubbed a ‘car crash’, with commentators questioning his responses and condemning his unsympathetic tone and lack of remorse over his friendship with the sex offender Epstein.
During the interview, Andrew denied that he slept with Ms Giuffre, saying one encounter in 2001 did not happen as he had spent the day with his daughter, Princess Beatrice, taking her to Pizza Express in Woking for a party.
The same alleged sexual liaison, which the American said began with the royal sweating heavily as they danced at London nightclub Tramp, was later branded factually wrong as the duke said he had a medical condition at the time which meant he did not sweat.
And he twice stated that his relationship with sex offender Epstein had provided ‘seriously beneficial outcomes’, giving him the opportunity to meet people and prepare for his future role as a trade envoy.
In January, Andrew’s lawyers attempted to throw out the civil sex case brought by Ms Giuffre, but a judge rejected this and ruled the case could go to trial.
The Queen stripped Andrew of his honorary military roles in response, and he gave up his HRH style, before demanding a jury trial.
But on February 15, their lawyers reached an out-of-court settlement in what eventually became a conclusion to the case.
On March 8, it was revealed that Andrew had paid an estimated £12million to his US sex accuser – bringing the case against him to a close.
Operation Abbey: How the Queen left Windsor Castle in a Land Rover before swapping to her state limousine at Buckingham Palace…then entered Westminster Abbey through discreet side entrance in military-style plan
Wherever she goes she always makes an incredible entrance, with throngs of adoring royalists cheering and dozens of TV cameras watching her every step.
But today the 95-year-old Queen made a quieter approach as she arrived at Westminster Abbey via a side door as she tried to avoid too many steps.
Her Majesty appeared inside the front of the iconic chamber and was part of a small procession that saw her guided to her seat by her disgraced son Prince Andrew.
Earlier she made the 22-mile trip from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace, before swapping cars and travelling on to Westminster.
The Queen was making her first public appearance in five months as she joined the rest of the Royal Family and other dignitaries at a memorial service in honour of her husband Prince Philip, who died last year.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who was by his wife’s side for more than seven decades, passed away at Windsor Castle in April, two months shy of his 100th birthday.
The Queen and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, arrive for the service of thanksgiving for late Prince Philip today
The Queen was making her first public appearance in five months as she joined the Royal Family and other dignitaries at a memorial service in honour of her husband Prince Philip, who died last year. She is pictured walking with Prince Andrew entering the chamber
Her Majesty appeared at the front of the iconic building and was part of a small procession that saw her guided to her seat by her disgraced son Prince Andrew before sitting down
The Monarch’s route to Westminster Abbey was heavily debated ahead of the day amid the logistics of her being in Windsor rather than London and being less steady on her legs than in recent years.
She and her second eldest son Prince Andrew set off from the Berkshire Castle in a Range Rover for Buckingham Palace this morning.
There they swapped it for her Bentley state limousine and carried on to the Abbey, where they were met by thousands of cheering supporters as she arrived just in time for the ceremony.
Police stopped the Westminster traffic before officers on motorcycles swept ahead of the Royal motorcade, made up of a Ranger Rover and Mercedes people carrier.
A guard of honour saluted as the Queen’s Bentley went past flying the Royal Standard. The vehicle then made a tight turn on to Poets’ Yard entrance, where there were fewer steps for her to manoeuvre.
The car was carefully parked as close to the door as possible, with the Queen sitting behind the driver to minimise the difficulty of her getting inside – and it was turned around while she was in the chamber.
Her walking stick was spotted before she stepped out of the vehicle and entered Westminster Abbey. She held on to her son as they headed out of the car and walked through Poets’ Corner towards her seat in the Abbey.
She also kept her right hand on her walking stick, which she has used over the last few months to help her get around Windsor Castle.
They walked at a slow but steady pace both looking ahead, and at the end of the aisle they separated – with Andrew giving a last glance to his mother as she turned right.
She and her second eldest son Prince Andrew set off from the Berkshire Castle in a Range Rover for Buckingham Palace this morning
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving for Philip
They drive through the gates of Buckingham Palace as Royal watchers stand on and armed police stand guard
There they swapped it for her state limousine and carried on to the Abbey, where they were met by thousands of cheering supporters
Queen Elizabeth II is driven in to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
Elegant Kate Middleton leads the Cambridge family: Proud mother arrives with Prince George and Princess Charlotte as she and Prince William attend his beloved grandfather’s memorial service
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived hand-in-hand with Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Prince Philip’s memorial service today.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked poised as she wore an understated polkadot Alessandra Rich gown which she paired with elegant silver droplet earrings, as she was joined by her husband for the event this morning.
The couple were joined by their eldest son Prince George, eight, who wore a smart navy suit for the occasion, and Princess Charlotte, six, who wore a navy coat dress with a matching ribbon in her hair.
Kate and Prince Philip enjoyed a good relationship, with Prince William saying he was thankful that Kate, who married into the royal family in 2011 after meeting William nearly a decade earlier, had ‘so many years’ to get to know his grandfather.
The memorial is the couple’s first public appearance since they landed back in Britain from their troubled tour of the Caribbean, which was blighted by protests against Britain’s colonial past.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held their children’s hands as they made their way out of Westminster Abbey
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge guided Prince George and Princess Charlotte through the service
The two oldest Cambridge children joined their parents and senior members of the Royal Family at the engagement
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived hand-in-hand with Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Prince Philip’s memorial service today
The Duchess of Cambridge looked poised as she wore an understated polkadot Alessandra Rich gown which she paired with elegant silver droplet earrings, as she was joined by her husband for the event this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who days ago returned from their controversial Caribbean tour, arrived hand-in-hand with George and Charlotte, their two eldest children
They faced calls to issue a public apology for slavery during the eight-day tour, with the barrage of criticism ranging from accusations Belize locals were not consulted about a royal engagement to calls for slavery reparations from the monarchy in Jamaica.
The Duke of Cambridge denounced slavery as ‘abhorrent’ and said ‘it should never have happened’. He is attending the service for the life of Prince Philip as he looks to now move the monarchy into the future amid the criticism.
William is said to want to do things ‘the Cambridge way’ following his Caribbean tour with Kate that saw the couple heavily criticised for images that smacked of ‘colonialism’ but also welcomed with warmth by Caribbeans.
The visit is likely to be judged as a landmark moment for years to come – when the growing awareness of racial equality, in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, meant future Commonwealth tours would have to be sensitive to these issues.
The Duke addressed the issue of slavery during a speech in Jamaica, denouncing it as ‘abhorrent’ and saying ‘it should never have happened’.
Ending their trip to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas at the weekend, the future king acknowledged the monarchy’s days in those nations may be numbered as he stated the future ‘is for the people to decide upon’, and that he may not become head of the Commonwealth.
In a statement reflecting on the tour, William said who the Commonwealth chooses to be its leader ‘isn’t what is on my mind’, but what concerned him was its potential to ‘create a better future for the people who form it’.
He stressed that he and his wife Kate were ‘committed to service’ and saw their role as supporting people, ‘not telling them what to do’.
Six-year-old Princess Charlotte could be seen beaming as she arrived at the service alongside her parents this morning
Prince William’s mini me! Prince George was matching his father with his outfit, wearing a navy suit with a baby blue shirt and a polkadot tie
Princess Charlotte’s hair was neatly plaited into a blue ribbon for the event earlier this morning (left), while the Duchess wore her locks pulled back into an understated low bun (right)
The family beamed as they arrived at Westminster Abbey hand-in-hand this morning, in what is one of Prince George and Charlotte’s first major events
Now, Will and Kate return to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial ceremony, which will celebrate the life and contributions of Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 aged 99.
The Queen, who was married to The Duke of Edinburgh for 73 years prior to his death, is said to have personally overseen many elements of the service.
The funeral includes several elements the Duke had planned for his funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in April last year but which were forbidden by Covid restrictions at the time.
Among them is the involvement of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets, his expressed wish for the congregation to sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for clergy from the royal estates of Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part.
Little Princess Charlotte wore a navy coat with gold buttons for the outing today, which was matched perfectly with her blue tights (left and right)
The Duchess of Cambridge looked poised as she wore an understated polkadot Alessandra Rich gown which she paired with elegant silver droplet earrings, as she was joined by her husband for the event this morning
William is said to want to do things ‘the Cambridge way’ following his Caribbean tour with Kate that saw the couple heavily criticised for images that smacked of ‘colonialism’ but also welcomed with warmth by Caribbeans
His funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor was limited to just 30 mourners in the midst of the pandemic and mass singing was banned, with the Queen sitting alone in a mask.
Prince Philip’s family unite for memorial: The Hereditary Prince and Princess of Baden are among 51 relatives from Greek, Danish and German branches of the late Duke’s family to arrive at Westminster Abbey
The extended family of Prince Philip – thought to be around 51 people from across Europe – were among the first to arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the ceremony to honour the late Duke’s life today.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s family members, many travelling from overseas, have made the journey to London to represent the Greek, Danish and German branches of the late consort’s family.
The representatives included the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Baden, who were also invited to Prince Philip’s funeral – which was limited to just 30 people – on April 17th 2021.
The Baden royals had shared a close relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh throughout much of his life.
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Extended family: It’s thought 51 members of Prince Philip’s extended family from across Europe have travelled to the service
The countess was seen in deep conversation with her neighbour in the Abbey as the assembly patiently waited for the service to start
Among the first guests to arrive at Westminster Abbey today were representatives of the Greek, Danish and German branches of the late Duke’s family – including the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Baden
Great nephew: Seated in the far right of the Abbey in the front row this morning were the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Baden, close confidants of the late Duke of Edinburgh. Right: Prince Bernhard, pictured with his wife at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Monaco in 2011, is the grandson of the late Duke’s sister Theodora
Arriving ahead of the Queen, who travelled to the ceremony with her disgraced son Prince Andrew from Windsor Castle to Westminster Abbey, Prince Philip’s more distant family members chatted quietly as they entered the Abbey.
Bernhard, the Prince of Baden is the great nephew of Prince Philip. The father-of-three is a grandson of the Duke’s second sister, Theodora (known as ‘Dolla’).
Also from the German branch of Prince Philip’s family was Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
They were among the 30 mourners at his funeral last year, Prince Philipp said at the time: ‘It really is an incredible honour and we are all extremely touched and privileged to be included on behalf of the wider family’.
His sister, and the Duke’s great niece, Princess Xenia of Hohenlohe-Langenburg also said Philip was an ‘idol’ for their family’s younger generation.
Their grandmother, Princess Margarita, was the Duke’s elder sister and the Duke paid many visits to the family home, Langenburg Castle in southern Germany.
The royal family, who joined the service shortly before its 11:30am start, were seated in the front pews of the Abbey
Prince Philip’s long-time friend, who is also known as Lady Romsey and Lady Brabourne took her seat, dressed in a sober grey ensemble with matching hat
Gathered in the pews of Westminster Abbey, the extended family of Prince Philip, only a few of whom were invited to the scaled-down royal funeral in April 2021, greeted each other ahead of the memorial service today
Four daughters: Prince Philip was raised separately from his four older sisters, pictured left-right: Sophia, Margarita, Cecilie, known as Cecile, and Theodora. The girls are pictured ahead of the 1922 wedding of Louis Mountbatten and Edwina Ashley, where they were bridesmaids
Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, pictured with Prince Charles, said: ‘It really is an incredible honour and we are all extremely touched and privileged to be included on behalf of the wider family’
Troubles ahead: Philip, second from left, as a boy with his parents and four sisters, who adored him. They all married German aristocrats
His grandmother, Princess Margarita, was the Duke’s elder sister and the Duke paid many visits to the family home, Langenburg Castle in southern Germany.
Prince Bernhard, 50, also a father of three, is a grandson of the Duke’s second sister, Theodora (known as ‘Dolla’).
Prince Donatus, known as ‘Don’, 54, is the head of the House of Hesse, into which the Duke’s two younger sisters, Cecile and Sophie (known as ‘Tiny’) married.
Prince Philip’s family
Born a Prince of Greece and Denmark, Philip was the fifth child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and his wife, Princess Alice of Battenberg. He survived his sisters:
- Princess Margarita (1905-1981)
- Princess Theodora (1906–1969)
- Princess Cecilie (1911- 1937)
- Princess Sophie (1914-2001)
All these families enjoy so many precious recollections of the ‘Uncle Philip’, who thought nothing of popping over to Germany for a christening or a landmark birthday party for the offspring and relatives of his older sisters.
They were the kind-hearted, glamorous quartet of princesses who had doted on their boisterous little brother through an often troubled childhood.
The Duke never forgot that, according to Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg who last year told the Daily Mail : ‘It was such a joy having a conversation with him. His memory was extraordinary,’ he explained. ‘He could remember playing hide-and-seek in the castle when he was a boy, and he always enjoyed talking to the local people.
‘He could switch from German to English and back, whether he was talking about Winston Churchill or the local wildlife.’
The Duke’s death was also said to leave a huge hole among the broader continental cousinhood, who all adored the energetic, unstuffy uncle, great-uncle and cousin who always made a beeline for his younger relatives to hear their latest news.
For he was not only an enthusiastic participant in family gatherings. In fact, many refer to him as ‘the glue’ or ‘the bridge’ who has kept the current British Royal Family closely connected to the European cousinhood.
They are the ‘other’ royal family, the relatives who might not be household names in Britain but who, for generations, have happily slotted in at house parties or picnics at Balmoral, Sandringham and elsewhere.
If Ascot Week was when the Queen filled the castle with her friends from the world of racing, then the horse show was ‘the Duke’s week’ each spring, with plenty of Langenburgs, Badens, Hesses and Hanovers occupying the Windsor guest rooms.
At big family gatherings, whether in the UK or in Germany, there would always be a big crossover. At the celebrations for the golden or diamond wedding anniversaries of the Queen and the Duke, for example, the German relations were fully included. Similarly, many a German christening has featured a House of Windsor godparent at the font.
Prince Philip and his four sisters had grown up in the strange, unsettled world of peripatetic refugee royalty between the wars. They were all born into the Greek royal family, itself descended from the ruling house of Denmark, but had been driven into exile in 1922 after a military coup.
Also in attendance today was Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, the widow of Lord Romsey, Earl Mountbatten’s grandson Norton Knatchbull.
Norton is the grandson of Lord Mountbatten – who was famously close to his nephew Prince Philip. Philip was Norton’s godson, while Norton is the godfather of Prince William.
Also known as Lady Romsey and Lady Brabourne, Penny was a regular visitor at Wood Farm, the cottage on the edge of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk where the Prince spent much of his time after retiring from public life in August 2017, and was thought to be one of his closest confidantes.
Her Majesty was determined to be amongst the 1,800 guests despite the 95-year-old’s mobility problems that have prevented her doing a major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months.
And in a move that royal watchers believe may have upset her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William – both instrumental in the decision to take away the Duke of York’s ‘HRH’ – the Queen chose her second son to join her in the back of her royal car.
Philip’s mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg, and his four sisters all married German aristocrats.
His German relations were banned from attending his wedding to Elizabeth in 1947 over perceived links to the Nazis in the wake of the Second World War. But after the Duke made clear he wanted German ‘blood to attend his funeral.
Today the monarch will ensure that her beloved husband’s final wishes are fulfilled after his Covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much.
Her Majesty has been ‘actively involved’ in every element of his service of thanksgiving that will see Westminster Abbey packed to the rafters.
All Prince Philip’s family will attend apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
On Prince Andrew’s left will be his brother the Earl of Wessex and Edward’s family the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Across an aisle on his right will the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales and the Queen.
Prince Philip’s memorial Order of Service in FULL: Royal Family release details of the final farewell for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
The Royal Family and Westminster Abbey released the full Order of Service ahead of today’s memorial service for HRH Prince Philip, who died almost one year ago.
The service paid tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to public life and support to charitable organisations.
The memorial ceremony also incorporated several aspects that were planned for Philip’s funeral last year, which were unable to go ahead due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time.
The Queen, who was married to The Duke of Edinburgh for 73 years prior to his death, is said to have personally overseen many elements of the service.
Here is the official Order of Service for the Service of Thanksgiving for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who died April 9, 2021.
The Queen and Prince Philip in June 2014. The Duke of Edinburgh died in April 2021 aged 99
Introduction
The service is conducted by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster.
The service is sung by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey, and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, directed by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey.
The organ is played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist. The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry are directed by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford, and the Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force are directed by Sergeant Timothy Hynd RAF.
Before the service Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, plays:
- Andante cantabile from Symphony No 3, Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
- Bist du bei mir BWV 508, attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
- Salix from Plymouth Suite, Percy Whitlock (1903–46)
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band), directed by Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham RM, Principal Director of Music, plays:
- Prelude from 49th Parallel, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) arranged by Michael McDermott
- Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from Lohengri,n Richard Wagner (1813–83) arranged by Peter Curtis
- Canterbury Chorale, Jan Van der Roost (b 1956)
- Lux Aurumque, Eric Whitacre (b 1970)
- Men of Honour Part 2, Thomas Bergerson (b 1980) arranged by Ivan Hutchinson
- Pacific, Blake Neely (b 1969) and Hans Zimmer (b 1957) arranged by Rieks van der Velde
The Assistant Organist plays:
- Shepherd’s Song from Symphony No 6 (‘Pastoral’), Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
The Sub-Organist plays:
- Benedictus from Sonata Britannica, Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
The Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99, joined the Royal Navy in 1939 – the year the Second World War broke out – when he was still a teenager. By 1942, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant after bravely fighting in the Battle of Crete and the conflict at Cape Matapan. Left: Philip in 1946. Right: Phlip in 1945, when he was serving on HMS Valiant
It wasn’t just on water where Philip put his military credentials to good use – he trained to be a pilot with the RAF and by the time he gave up flying in 1997, at the age of 76, he had completed 5,986 hours of time in the sky in 59 different aircraft
Members of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Family arrive and are conducted to their seats.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, the Right Honourable Dame Eleanor Laing DBE MP, and The Lord Speaker, the Lord McFall of Alcluith, are received by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.
The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, and Mrs Johnson, are received. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.
The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Andrew Smith, and The Lady Mayoress Salma Shah are received. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.
All stand, and then sit.
Representatives of faith communities and of the churches process to places in the Lantern. The King and Queen of the Belgians, The Queen of Denmark, The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, The Prince of Monaco, The King and Queen of the Netherlands and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, The King and Queen of Norway, The King and Queen of Spain, The King and Queen of Sweden, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan, Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Prince Philippos and Princess Nina of Greece, Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia and Prince Kyril of Preslav arrive and are conducted to their seats.
Members of the Royal Family arrive and are conducted to their seats.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, The Duke of Kent and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive and are conducted to their seats.
The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence KCVO, CB, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn arrive and are conducted to their seats.
The Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank arrive and are conducted to their seats.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.
All stand as the procession moves to places in Quire, the Sacrarium, and Poets’ Corner.
A fanfare is sounded.
The Queen is received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made.
A holder of a gold award from the Duke of Edinburgh scheme will speak at Prince Philip’s memorial service today, while nine other young people with their own awards will line the steps of Westminster Abbey. Above: The Duke of Edinburgh hosts DofE gold award presentations at Hillsborough Castle in County Down in 2017
Order of Service
All sing:
‘He who would valiant be ‘gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master. There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim. Whoso beset him round with dismal stories, do but themselves confound his strength the more is. No foes shall stay his might, though he with giants fight: he will make good his right to be a pilgrim. Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit, We know we at the end shall life inherit. Then fancies flee away! I’ll fear not what men say, I’ll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.’ (Monk’s Gate 372 NEH from The Pilgrim’s Progress adapted from an English folk song John Bunyan (1628–88) arranged by James O’Donnell (b 1961)
All sit. The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, says the Bidding:
‘In Westminster Abbey, where he made promises that defined a life of willing duty and spirited service, we give thanks for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated, he ever directed our attention away from himself. He put privilege to work and understood his rank as a spur to service. Working at pace, with so many claims on his attention, he encouraged us to focus, as he was focussed, on the things that matter. His was a discipline and character that seized opportunity and overcame obstruction and difficulty. We recall, with affection and respect, the sustained offering of a long life lived fully. Acknowledging our loss, we turn to the God who is our help for He will renew our hope. In grateful remembrance of The Prince Philip, we then commit ourselves to live as he lived, in faith, in the service of Her Majesty, and with a greater reverence for our world and our neighbours.’
‘Let us pray in the words that Jesus taught us.
‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.’
Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award holder from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gives a Tribute.
Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London, will pay tribute to the duke, who died last year aged 99. Ms Sonibare, who is now studying for a PhD into sickle cell disease, will tell attendees that the DofE helped her to secure her first job at the age of 18 and will reflect on the difference that the scheme has made to her life since
The Right Honourable the Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, reads:
‘To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Isaiah 40: 25–31)
‘Thanks be to God.’
The choir sings:
‘Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ (William Byrd (c 1540–1623) Collect for Holy Communion The Book of Common Prayer)
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, reads:
‘Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.’ (Philippians 4: 4–9)
‘Thanks be to God.’
All stand to sing:
‘All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
‘Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia, alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest man both warmth and light: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
‘Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heaven along, O praise him, Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
‘Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest blessings on our way, O praise him, Alleluia! The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them his glory also show: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
‘Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise him, Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, three in One: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!’ (Lasst uns erfreuen 263 NEH, St Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) Ralph Vaughan Williams, translated by William Draper (1855–1933) after a melody in Geistliche Kirchengesäng Cologne, 1623 arranged by James O’Donnell)
Cadets will today line the entrances to Westminster Abbey for Prince Philip’s memorial service and a marching band from the Royal Marines will play as guests arrive, Buckingham Palace has revealed. Above: Philip during a visit to Windsor Sea Cadet Unit on April 7, 2014
All sit. The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor, gives the Address.
The choir sings:
‘We praise thee, O God : we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee : the Father everlasting. To thee all angels cry aloud : the heavens, and all the powers therein. To thee cherubin, and seraphin : continually do cry, Holy, holy, holy : Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of the majesty : of thy glory. The glorious company of the apostles : praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the prophets : praise thee. The noble army of martyrs : praise thee. The holy Church throughout all the world : doth acknowledge thee; the Father : of an infinite majesty; thine honourable, true : and only Son; also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter. Thou art the King of glory : O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man : thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death : thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the Glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge. We therefore pray thee, help thy servants : whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy saints : in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people : and bless thine heritage. Govern them : and lift them up for ever. Day by day : we magnify thee; and we worship thy name : ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us : as our trust is in thee. O Lord, in thee have I trusted : let me never be confounded.’ (Te Deum in C Canticle for Morning Prayer, Benjamin Britten (1913–76) The Book of Common Prayer)
The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, introduces the prayers:
‘Let us give thanks to Almighty God for the life and work of The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and pray for all who honour his legacy and continue his work.’
All sit or kneel.
The Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, Minister of Crathie Church, says:
‘Let us give thanks for his service as Consort, liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship to Her Majesty; for his devotion to family, to Nation and to Commonwealth; for his strength and constancy. O Father of all, we pray thee for those whom we love but see no longer. Grant them thy peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in thy loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere LVO, Rector of Sandringham, says:
‘Let us give thanks for his energy and spirit of adventure; for his work with the young to discover new skills and serve their communities. Let us pray especially for the work of Cadet Forces and all engaged in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
The Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Chaplain to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, says:
‘Let us give thanks for his work in conservation and the good stewardship of the environment, in bringing together people of many faiths, and in the work of the World Wildlife Fund. Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess in creation; grant us grace that we may honour thee with our substance, and remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
The Reverend Canon Paul Wright, Sub-Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, says:
‘Let us give thanks for his gifts of character; for his humour and resilience; his fortitude and devotion to duty; that we may follow his good example in the service of our fellows. O Lord God, when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory; through him who for the finishing of thy work laid down his life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.’
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon in Residence, says:
‘Let us give thanks to our heavenly Father for all his blessings and mercies, and dedicate ourselves anew to his service. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.’
All stand to sing:
‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through: strong Deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side: songs of praises I will ever give to thee.’ (Cwm Rhondda 368 NEH Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r anialwch, John Hughes (1873–1932) William Williams (1717–91) arranged by James O’Donnell, translated by Peter Williams (1727–96) and others)
The Most Reverend and the Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, gives the Blessing:
‘God grant to the living grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, The Queen, the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord; and to us sinners life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.’
All sing:
‘God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen, God save The Queen. Send her victorious, happy, and glorious, long to reign over us: God save The Queen.’ (arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895–1984)
All remain standing as the Procession, together with The Queen and Members of the Royal Family, leaves the Abbey church.
Music after the service
Allegro molto e ritmico from Sonata Britannica, Charles Villiers Stanford
The band plays:
The Seafarers arranged by Michael McDermott
Members of the congregation are kindly requested to remain in their seats until directed to move by the Honorary Stewards
The bells of the Abbey church are rung.
END OF SERVICE
World’s royals unite to remember Prince Philip: Monarchs including Letizia of Spain, Prince Albert of Monaco and the Crown Prince of Bahrain fly in for service of thanksgiving
Royal families from around the world will unite to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh at the service of thanksgiving.
Born to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, Prince Philip had ties to many of the European monarchies which were only strengthened when he married the then Princess Elizabeth.
His maternal grandmother, Princess Victoria of Hesse, was granddaughter of Queen Victoria, dubbed ‘Europe’s grandmother’ because of her sprawling web of nine children and 42 grandchildren marring into other European families.
It is through Queen Victoria that both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are related to the thrones of Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark.
There are also familial links to the King of Spain, who touchingly referred to the Duke of Edinburgh as ‘dear uncle Philip’ in a statement shared after his death.
Prince Albert of Monaco and representatives from the defunct Romanian and Bulgarian throne will also be in attendance.
From further afield there is Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan, who are old friends of the Queen, and, perhaps most controversially, the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
King Harald V of Norway was forced to cancel last minute due to Covid-19, but there are still plenty of royals who have made the journey to pay their respects…
SPAIN: King Felipe and Queen Letizia
Affectionate: King Felipe of Spain, a distant relative of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, will attend with his wife Letizia (pictured). The King referred to the Queen and Prince Philip as ‘dear aunt Lilibet’ and ‘dear uncle Philip’ in a note sent after his death last year
Fond memories: King Felipe and Queen Letizia with the Queen and Prince Philip in 2017
Game of thrones! How Queen Victoria sat at the centre of a spider’s web of European royal connections
With nine children of her own and 42 grandchildren, Queen Victoria sat at the centre of a spider’s web of royal connections across Europe.
Her husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha had dreamt of a Europe held together by family connections, and Victoria was determined to carry out his wishes.
They married their offspring into royal and noble families across the continent, earning Victoria the nickname ‘the grandmother of Europe’.
Eight of their children married into royal houses, starting with Vicky, who wed the Crown Prince of Prussia.
King Felipe VI of Spain, 54, will be joined at the service by Queen Leizia, 49, a former journalist.
Felipe, who ascended the throne in 2014 upon the abdication of his father King Juan Carlos, referred to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as ‘dear aunt Lilibet’ and ‘dear uncle Philip’ in a deeply personal message sent in the days after Prince Philip’s death.
The note sent to the Queen read: ‘We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear Uncle Philip.
‘We shall never forget the moments that we shared with him and the legacy of service and dedication to the Crown and the United Kingdom by your side.’
The familiarity between the British and Spanish royal households is due to centuries-old family ties.
Felipe’s maternal great-grandfather, King Constantine I of Greece (1868 – 1923), was the older brother of Prince Philip’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
Meanwhile Felipe’s father, Juan Carlos of Spain, is the great-grandson of Queen Victoria’s youngest child, Princess Beatrice, making him a distant cousin of the Queen.
Princess Beatrice’s daughter Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg went on to become Queen Ena of Spain.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia were honoured at a State Visit to the UK in 2017.
NETHERLANDS: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima; Princess Beatrix
Family visit: Representing the Netherlands will be King Willem-Alexander, 54, and his wife Queen Máxima, 50. His mother Princess Beatrix (right) will also be in attendance
Personal sorrow: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid tribute to Prince Philip’s ‘lively personality’ in a heartfelt tribute. Above, with the Queen and Prince Philip in 2015
Representing the Netherlands will be King Willem-Alexander, 54, and his wife Queen Máxima, 50.
He ascended the throne in 2013 following the abdication of his mother, Princess Beatrix, 84, who will also be in attendance.
The Queen and King Willem-Alexander are fifth cousins, twice removed. They are both related to Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau (1743-1787), granddaughter of King George II.
Her parents were King George’s daughter Anne, Princess Royal, and the Dutch Prince William VI.
Their grandson was Francis of Teck, later Duke of Teck, who married Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge. Mary Adelaide was the mother of Mary of Teck, who married King George V, the current Queen’s grandfather.
King Willem-Alexander is a descendant of Carolina’s through her eldest surviving son, Frederick William.
The Queen and the Dutch King are also both descendants of Frederick II Eugene, Duke of Württemberg.
SWEDEN: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
Family ties: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Sonja of Sweden will both attend the service. The Swedish king’s lineage traces back to Victoria on both his mother and father’s sides
Shared experiences: Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (left, alongside Queen Elizabeth, Queen Silvia, and Prince Philip in 1983) also paid tribute, calling the duke ‘a good friend of our family’
The Queen’s third cousin King Carl XVI Gustaf, 75, and his wife Queen Silvia, 78, will will be among the congregation.
The link between the British and Swedish monarchs goes back to Queen Victoria, the Queen’s great-great grandmother (through her father, King George VI) and King Carl XVI Gustaf’s great-great grandmother.
The Swedish king’s lineage traces back to Victoria on both his mother and father’s sides, making him a distant claimant to the throne.
His paternal grandfather, King Gustaf VI Adolf, was married to Princess Margaret, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter through her son Prince Albert.
Another of Victoria’s sons, Prince Leopold, had two children with Princess Helena Friederike of Waldeck and Pyrmont, including Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and King Carl XVI Gustaf’s maternal grandfather.
In a statement released after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, King Carl XVI said: ‘Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued.
‘His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all.’
BELGIUM: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
‘Deeply saddened’: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will also make the journey
King Philippe of Belgium, 61, who is related to the Queen through Queen Victoria, will attend the service with his wife Queen Mathilde, 49.
The Queen and Philippe are also both descendants of Christian IX of Denmark, whose six children married into other royal families across Europe, earning him the title ‘father-in-law of Europe’.
In a joint statement shared after the death of Prince Philip, the couple said: ‘Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
‘We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.
‘We will always cherish the memories of our warm encounters.’
DENMARK: Queen Margrethe II
Close friend: Queen Margrethe of Denmark has a close relationship with the Queen
Royal visitor: Queen Margrethe and her daughter-in-law Crown Princess Mary recently welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge on her solo visit to Copenhagen
The Duke of Edinburgh was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, so it is no surprise both royal families will be represented at the order of service.
Flying the flag for Denmark will be Queen Margrethe, who is known affectionately as ‘aunt Daisy’ by many European royals due to her close relationship with
The 81-year-old monarch will fly solo at the Service of Thanksgiving, although she is often joined at royal events by her son Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and daughter-in-law Princess Mary.
Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary recently welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge on her solo visit to Copenhagen.
Queen Margrethe II enjoys a close personal relationship with the Queen and was related to the Duke of Edinburgh through King Christian IX of Denmark.
King Christian IX – dubbed the ‘father-in-law of Europe’ due to his far-reaching progeny – was the great-great-grandfather of Queen Margrethe and the great-grandfather of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Danish queen is also related to Queen Elizabeth through Queen Victoria.
Margrethe lost her husband Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark, in 2018.
GREECE: Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes; Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal; Prince Philippos and Princess Nina of Greece
Greek royalty: Among the Duke of Edinburgh’s Greek relatives in attendance will be Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, the last Queen of Greece and wife of King Constantine II. Pictured, Anne-Marie with her husband in 2012
Personal connection: Prince Charles’s godson Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece will attend with his wife Marie-Chantal (left). Above, with their daughter Olympia at Eugenie’s wedding
The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Diana were both godparents to his younger brother, Prince Philippos, who married wife Nina in a wedding attended by Eugenie and Beatrice
Among the Duke of Edinburgh’s Greek relatives in attendance will be Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, the last Queen of Greece and wife of King Constantine II, her children, Crown Prince Pavlos and Prince Philippos, and their respective wives.
Queen Anne-Marie is the daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark and his wife Ingrid of Sweden, and the younger sister of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. She had to renounce her claim to the Danish throne on marrying Constantine II.
Queen Anne-Marie is a great-great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, making her a third cousin of both Prince Philip and the Queen.
King Constantine II was a first cousin once removed of Prince Philip; both were descended from King George I of Greece.
Their children also have ties to the royal family. Prince Pavlos is Prince Charles’s godson, while the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Diana were both godparents to his younger brother, Prince Philippos.
Pavlos and Philippos will be joined at the service by their wives. Pavlos’ wife Marie-Chantal is a queen bee socialite who’s friends with Zoe de Givenchy, Tory Burch and the Italian fashion designer Valentino.
Meanwhile Philippos married wife Nina in three separate ceremonies in 2020 and 2021. Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and their husbands were all in attendance.
MONACO: Prince Albert
Solo visit: Prince Albert of Monaco, 64, will attend without his wife Princess Charlene
Prince Albert of Monaco, 64, will attend without his wife Princess Charlene.
Princess Charlene recently returned to Monaco following an extended stay away due to health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a ‘state of profound general fatigue’.
The mother-of-two was reportedly admitted to a private Swiss clinic in late November, within days of her return to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa.
However Princess Charlene remains out of the spotlight and will have a period of rest and recuperation at home before resuming her official duties.
Prince Albert is the only son of Rainier III of Monaco and his Hollywood wife Princess Grace Kelly.
His wedding to Charlene was attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
LUXEMBOURG: Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess
Flying in his stead: Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, will be represented at the service by his wife, the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, will be represented at the service by his wife, the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
The Queen and Henri are related through Carolina of Orange-Nassau, an ancestor of the Queen’s grandmother Mary of Teck.
Henri is also a descendant of Carolina through her eldest surviving son Frederick William, Prince of Nassau-Weilburg whose marriage to heiress Louise Isabelle of Kirchberg produced William, Duke of Nassau.
His eldest son Adolphe, in turn, became the first independent Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
On the death of Prince Philip, Henri released a lengthy statement, saying: ‘Prince Philip brought the same discipline and intelligence to his activities as Prince Consort and will be fondly and respectfully remembered for his strong support and dedication to Your Majesty, Your family and the United Kingdom.
‘Personally, we hold many great memories of our meetings over the past decades. Not only his earnest commitment to social and environmental causes, but also his wit and humour impressed us deeply.
‘The friendship that Your Majesty and His Royal Highness shared with my late parents still holds a special meaning for my family.’
ROMANIA: Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania
Building relationships: Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania
Margareta is the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, making her head of a defunct monarchy. The throne is not recognised by the Romanian parliament and lacks legal validity without approval by the country’s Parliament.
Although Margareta has no official role within the politics of Romania to maintain ties with other countries, she has fostered diplomatic relationships with numerous foreign dignitaries in her capacity as a head of the House of Romania.
During these visits she is often accompanied by her husband Prince Radu, who is a special Romanian Government representative for Integration, Co-operation and Sustainable Development.
Margareta is the Royal Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Romania.
In November 2021 she spent time with Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex at the couple’s home at Bagshot Park.
BAHRAIN: Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Controversial: Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 52
Royal visit: The Crown Prince during a royal engagement with William and Kate in 2018
Among the most controversial guests will be Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 52, the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
His grandfather, the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his wife, Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa, spent time with the Queen and Prince Philip during their highly publicised tour of the Middle East in 1979.
The relationship has continued over the decades with both Salman and his father, King Hamad, being seen with Queen in the Royal Box at Ascot.
They have both hosted visits from both the Prince of Wales and Prince Andrew in the past.
However the relationship has also been the subject of widespread public criticism.
Just days before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, the Crown Prince’s staff told the Palace that he was withdrawing his acceptance of an invitation.
The 11th-hour change of heart spared the couple potential embarrassment as human rights activists had threatened to disrupt Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s stay in London, insisting he was the chief architect of the crackdown on the Arab Spring uprising.
The couple had invited the Prince as part of a long-standing protocol in inviting the ‘Crowned Heads of the World’ and their staff had sought Foreign Office advice.
The Queen also raised eyebrows when she invited the King of Bahrain to attend her 90th birthday celebrations.
JORDAN: Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan
Friends of the Queen: Old Harrovian Prince Hassan of Jordan, 75, the uncle of the reigning King Abdullah II, and his wife Princess Sarvath, 74, will be in attendance
Old Harrovian Prince Hassan of Jordan, 75, the uncle of the reigning King Abdullah II, and his wife Princess Sarvath, 74, are friends of the Queen.
She has spent weekends with them in Wimbledon, where the prince has a house
His large detached house is not far from Wimbledon Common and its bridle paths, so that guests can hear the clip-clopping of ponies from a nearby riding school.
The Princess has been a guest of the Royal Family at Ascot and was given the honour of riding in a carriage with Princess Anne.
SERBIA: Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine
Prince Charles’s close friend: Crown Prince Alexander, 76, will arrive for the service with his wife, Crown Princess Katherine, 78
Prince Charles’s close friend Crown Prince Alexander, 76, will arrive for the service with his wife, Crown Princess Katherine, 78.
Alexander was born in exile at London’s Claridge’s hotel, temporarily declared Yugoslavia for a day in 1945 to get around succession laws requiring future kings to be born on home territory.
He is the only child of King Peter II and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark, who was a childhood playmate of her cousin the Duke of Edinburgh.
Born and raised in the UK, he is a godson of the Queen and through his father a direct descendent of Queen Victoria.
He is known for his support of the monarchy and his humanitarian work.
Prince Kyril of Preslav
Distant relative: Kyril is the second son of King Simeon II, also known as Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a fourth cousin of George VI
Born in 1964, Kyril is the second son of King Simeon II, also known as Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who had served as the last reigning Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943 to 1946, before later serving as Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 2001 to 2005.
Simeon is a fourth cousin of the Queen’s father, George VI, and attended the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
In September 1989, Kyril married María del Rosario Nadal y Fuster de Puigdorfila, also known as Rosario Nadal, the daughter of Miguel Nadal y Pestard, a Balearic Islands industrialist.
Kyril is now dating British businesswoman and art historian Katharine Butler, a former University of Edinburgh professor and daughter of British diplomat Sir Michael Butler.
And missing out… King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway
Norwegian King Harald V, 85, and his wife Queen Sonja, 84, had been due to represent their country at the Service of Thanksgiving but cancelled their attendance yesterday after King Harald tested positive for Covid-19
Norway’s King Harald (pictured greeting Philip with his wife Queen Sonja in 2001) said: ‘Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth’ when they learned of Philip’s death
Norwegian King Harald V, 85, and his wife Queen Sonja, 84, had been due to represent their country at the Service of Thanksgiving but cancelled their attendance yesterday after King Harald tested positive for Covid-19.
Harald is a second cousin of the Queen and the first foreign monarch in succession to the British throne, as they both share King Edward VII (1841 – 1910) and Queen Alexandra (1844 – 1925) as great-grandparents.
The couple had six children, one of whom, their daughter Maud, married into the Danish Prince Carl.
When Norway became independent in 1905, it wanted to establish a monarchy and asked Prince Carl to be king. He took the name Haakon, and Maud became Queen of Norway.
King Haakon and Queen Maud lived mainly in England before coming to Norway. The Queen also retained her British home at Appleton House until she died in 1938.
Their son, Crown Prince Olav, also had strong ties to Britain. He is the father of King Harald V.
Treasured moments with Prince Philip: Royal family shares video montage of the Duke of Edinburgh’s life ahead of his memorial service which will see 1,800 guests in attendance
The royal family has shared a sweet video tribute to Prince Philip ahead of his memorial service today.
The 30-second trailer, shared to Twitter yesterday afternoon, includes footage of the Duke of Edinburgh as a young man, clips during his military service as well as videos of him with a young Prince Charles and Princess Anne waiving from the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Queen.
Smiling throughout, the video shows clips of him laughing, working and giving speeches before ending with a a poignant photo of him wearing his war medals.
The tweet reads: ‘A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of The Duke of Edinburgh will be broadcast live from Westminster Abbey tomorrow. At BBC one, 10.30’.
The royal family has shared a sweet video tribute to Prince Philip ahead of his memorial service
The Duke of Edinburgh died aged 99 on April 9th last year. Tomorrow’s memorial is to mark the one-year anniversary of his death and will see senior royals as well as close friends and family pay tribute. The clip includes footage of him waving from the Buckingham Palace balcony with The Queen and a young Princess Anne and Prince Charles
The Duke of Edinburgh died aged 99 on April 9th last year. Tomorrow’s memorial is to mark the one-year anniversary of his death and will see senior royals as well as close friends and family pay tribute.
The clip includes photos of him working, pictured, he died aged 99 on April 9th last year
The 30-second trailer, shared to Twitter, includes footage of the Duke of Edinburgh as a young man and giving speeches throughout his life
The trailer shows photos of him as a young man right through to his 90s
Smiling throughout, the video shows clips of him laughing, working and giving speeches before ending with a a poignant photo of him wearing his war medals (pictured)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10663365/Prince-Charles-Camilla-arrive-Prince-Philips-memorial-Westminster-Abbey.html
