Despite reports that Queen Elizabeth II might not attend a memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, the monarch did appear at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday to attend. In an unexpected move, she arrived on the arm of her son, Prince Andrew.
The Queen traveled by car with her second son from Windsor to the event which happened just weeks after Prince Andrew settled a sexual assault lawsuit with his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
Royal Watchers Say Queen Elizabeth’s Move to Attend the Service with Prince Andrew Is a Signal That She Still Stands by Her Disgraced Son.
Robert Jobson, a respected royal commentator, spoke with People about the situation and what it potentially signals to the public.
“It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son,” Jobson explained. “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.”
Jobson, who authored a book entitled Prince Philips’ Century, shared that there was unease and disquiet among other senior members of the royal family about her wanting to attend with Andrew, the Duke of York, “but she insisted.”
“It does make some sense that he accompany her because he doesn’t have a partner,” Jobson also 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,” Jobson concluded.
Due to recent mobility issues and with the use of a cane, the Queen entered Westminster Abbey from a side entrance which was a much shorter walk than through the main one. As the first hymn “To Be a Pilgrim” was sung, the Duke of York assisted his mother to her seat next to next to Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Andrew sat across the aisle, also in the front row, next to his younger brother Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.
Despite her issues, the Queen was seen standing to pray and sing anthems throughout the service.
The memorial service marks Prince Andrew’s first public event since he settled his court case with Giuffre.
RELATED: Prince Andrew Settles Sexual Abuse Lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre
According to Buckingham Palace, the Queen was heavily involved with the programming for the memorial service. The memorial emphasized Prince Philip’s charitable works and the organizations that he captained.
Music and floral arrangements for the service were chosen by the Queen as a nod to her and Philip’s wedding day.
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A funeral service for Prince Philip, who died last April, was extremely small due to COVID-19 restrictions. The ceremony on Tuesday allowed for more of the family to attend and pay tribute to the late patriarch. Many elements of the Thanksgiving Ceremony would have been done at the funeral had it not been so restricted.
We are thrilled that the Queen’s condition improved enough that she could attend this event for her late husband but the surprise guest that escorted her to her seat is not without scrutiny. It was a bold choice for her to stand with him just 6 weeks after he settled the infamous sexual assault case. While he might not be guilty under the law, his credibility and reputation will be forever tarnished no matter what the Queen does.
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