THE Queen WILL attend Prince Philip’s memorial in London today – but her grandson Harry will regret not attending the service.
The Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered as a “man of rare ability and distinction” at a poignant memorial service featuring elements he planned for his own funeral which were forbidden due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A palace source said: “The Queen has been actively involved in the plans for today’s service, with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes.”
It is believed the Queen will not sit alone, unlike at the scaled-back funeral last April.
It is understood some of Philip’s older great-grandchildren may attend, giving the youngest generation of royals the chance to honour their much loved great-grandfather.
Missing gestures from Philip’s pre-pandemic arrangements will see Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders and members of the youth UK Cadet Force associations line the steps of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive.
The duke’s express wishes for the congregation to join and sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for the clergy from Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part will finally be granted today.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex has been criticised by experts for not attending the service today
Speaking to the MailOnline, royal author Phil Dampier said : “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.”
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