Queen Elizabeth II is doing her utmost best to attend Prince Philip‘s memorial on Tuesday, even if she has to arrive in a wheelchair or, in her recent gift — a £62,000 or $81,000 golf buggy that she uses to help her get around.
Her Majesty will have many royal family members by her side, including her disgraced son, Andrew.
However, one high-ranking family member will not be in attendance — Prince Harry has issued a statement confirming that he will not be able to make the trip to England.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves embroiled in a lawsuit with the British government.
The Duke of Sussex explained in court documents that he is dragging the government to the highest court in the land because they have denied him the opportunity to pay for adequate security for his family when traveling to his home country.
Last week, Prince Harry issued a brief statement that read: “The Duke will not be returning to the UK in late March but hopes to visit his grandmother as soon as possible.”
It is now being reported that once more Prince Harry more or less caught Queen Elizabeth off guard by giving her the heads up just 15 minutes before releasing it to the world.
Queen Elizabeth and other royal family members have not reacted to Prince Harry’s announcement, but many royal experts have.
Angela Levin, Prince Harry’s biographer, told The Sun the following about the move: “He has snubbed the Duke of Edinburgh, but really he is snubbing the Queen.”
Another royal expert shared his thoughts by saying that Prince Harry has made one of the biggest mistakes of his life and will regret it.
Royal author Phil Dampier told MailOnline today: “It’s very sad that Harry and Meghan won’t be at Prince Philip’s memorial service, and I think Harry might regret it one day.”
He went on to say that Prince Harry had a loving relationship with his late grandfather and his decision not to travel to London confirms that the rift with the British family is still going on.
It is claimed that Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, and his father, Prince Charles, have complicated relationships after “Megxit” and his bombshell interviews.
The commentator revealed: “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 honored when he took over from him as Captain-General of the Royal Marines, but sadly that didn’t last long.”
He also highlighted the bond that existed between the British prince and the late duke: “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.”
He continued by saying that the decision is tragic for this reason: “You get the impression he is still very hurt by what has happened between him and his father and brother, and I’m sure they feel the same, but to miss a memorial for his beloved grandfather is tragic. Harry did fly over for his funeral and for the unveiling of the Diana statue but hasn’t been back since.”
The service for the late duke will take place at Westminster Abbey at 10:30 a.m. with more than 500 relatives, friends, and guests from his charities and patronages in attendance.
A Palace spokesman said: “The service will give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s dedication to family, nation, and Commonwealth and recognize the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the armed forces.”
The statement went on to say: “The service will in particular pay tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organizations with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life.”
Prince Harry is not ready to give up on some of his principles.
