For the commemoration of Prince Philip, who died in 2021, the assembled high nobility of Europe came to Westminster Abbey in London. The Queen has announced herself – but whether she will come is uncertain.
Queen Elizabeth II (95) sat very lonely in the choir stalls of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor at the funeral service for her husband Prince Philip, who died last April at the age of 99.
Because of the corona pandemic, only 30 guests were allowed, keeping your distance was the order of the day. Almost a year later, a solemn service in Westminster Abbey in London is to be made up for, which had to be done without at the time. But there is a new problem. The British Queen’s health has since deteriorated. The Queen rarely leaves the walls of Windsor Castle.
Appointments have been repeatedly canceled in recent months. She recently went through a corona infection. She is no longer good on foot, as she recently admitted. Cancellation at short notice is not excluded. In addition to the most important British royals, the assembled high nobility of Europe is expected to attend the service. Including the royal couples from Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the Danish queen.
From the House of Windsor come among others heir to the throne Prince Charles (73) and his wife Camilla (74), Prince William (39) and Duchess Kate (40), as well as the three other children of the Queen: Princess Anne (71), Prince Edward ( 58) and Prince Andrew (62).
Harry and Meghan absent
It was a surprise that the second eldest son of Queen Andrew appeared in public again so soon after the latest headlines about allegations of abuse. In mid-February, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with American Virginia Giuffre, who accuses him of sexually abusing her when she was 17. He was only able to avoid civil proceedings with a payment that was probably worth millions. A return to the inner circle of the Royals is considered almost impossible.
Queen’s grandson Prince Harry (37) and his wife Duchess Meghan (40) will also not be there. The couple retired from the royal family several years ago and now live in California with their two children Archie (2) and nine-month-old Lilibet. The relationship has been particularly strained after the couple’s sensational interview with talk show legend Oprah Winfrey on US television, in which they accused the royal family of racism. Meghan has African American roots through her mother. In addition, Harry is also in a clinch with the British Home Office, which no longer wants to grant him and his family police protection when they visit their old homeland.
Married to Elizabeth in 1947
At the service on Tuesday, however, the whole of Prince Philip and his almost 100-year life should be the focus. In particular, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – an international youth program launched by Philip to give young people opportunities for self-realization – will play a prominent role, the palace said in a statement.
Philip had attended more than 22,000 royal appointments and delivered 5,400 speeches since his marriage to Elizabeth in 1947 at Westminster Abbey and her coronation at the same church six years later. “He was my strength and support all these years,” the Queen once said of her husband. If she also has to cancel her participation in the memorial service for him, it will probably be particularly difficult for her.
Source: Stern
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