Despite persistent health concerns, the Queen has joined members of the Royal family in a memorial service honouring her beloved husband Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey on March 29.
There were concerns the 95 year old Monarch would not be able to attend the service given her recent health issues, however, Buckingham Palace confirmed her attendance shortly before the service.
In a touching and subtle gesture to Prince Philip’s lively colour, the Queen along with Camilla and Princess Anne all wore dark green attire. The Queen also wore a gold, ruby, and diamond brooch, which Philip gave her in 1966.
As the service commenced, the Queen entered the church arm in arm with Prince Andrew before separating from him to take her seat alone. This also marks Andrew’s first public appearance since he settled his civil sexual assault case.
Also in attendance were Prince Philip’s two elder children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne who sat in the same row as Her Majesty.
Prince William and his wife Catherine, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, sat in the row directly behind the Queen.
Prince Andrew and Prince Edward sat across the aisle in the front row.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were noticeably absent from the service after raising concerns over security following the Home Office’s refusal to allow them to pay for British police to act as security for the pair.
The Queen was reportedly heavily involved in the planning of the service which featured elements such as hymns and special tributes from family and friends that were banned during Prince Philips’s funeral last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Approximately 1800 family members and guests were in attendance for the memorial.
Royal watchers will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief to see the Queen once again attending public engagements after a series of recent appearances were cancelled due to Her Majesty’s poor health.
The Queen was forced to forego attendance at the Commonwealth Service on Monday, March 14, after her doctors advised her to rest.
In a statement released by the Palace at the time, the Queen requested The Prince of Wales represent her at the annual service.
“After discussing the arrangements with the Royal Household, the Queen has asked the Prince of Wales to represent Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday,” the statement read.
“The Queen will continue with other planned engagements, including in-person audiences, in the week ahead.”
The Queen also tested positive for Covid-19 on February 20 after experiencing “mild, cold-like symptoms”.