Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Fahey

Queen feels it's 'very important' to be at Philip's memorial - but not in wheelchair

The Queen is determined to appear at a remembrance service for her late husband Prince Philip tomorrow, a royal expert has claimed.

Her Majesty, 95, is expected to be among the royals at the Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service - which will give thanks and remember the life of her beloved husband - who died last April.

But it's understood a final decision won't be made until tomorrow morning.

Royal author Angela Levin told Sky News today: "Well she says yes, because she's now got her golf, little car and it's big enough to take the corgis in as well.

"She won't take them obviously to the thanksgiving service, but I think that will give her the mobility she wants.

Will her majesty make it to the service? Have your say in the comment section

The Queen and Prince Philip wed in the Abbey in 1947 (Getty Images Europe)

"And she didn't want to be in a wheelchair because she wants to be dignified and she doesn't want to look as if she's really, really old despite her age.

"And this is actually quite zany, and if they can get her into her position without everybody watching and seeing how difficult it is for her to walk, I think it will work very well.

"She looks much, much better and it's very important for her to appear.

"And I think we've been told that she will, she hasn't said she's going to leave it until the absolute last minute and I think it would be heartbreaking for her not to be able to get there."

Angela Levin says the Queen is hesitant to go because she doesn't want to be seen in a wheelchair (Getty Images)

The service - which is being broadcast live on BBC One from 10.30am - will welcome 30 foreign royals, Philip's family and friends, as well as hundreds of representatives from his patron charities.

Last week a statement from the family revealed that many would be in attendance - but didn't say whether the Queen would be among them.

The event, due to be held at Westminster Abbey in honour of Prince Philip who died last April aged 99, is taking place on Tuesday, March 29.

There are fears Her Majesty could miss the event in honour of her husband of more than 70 years after recent bouts of bad health.

There will be several royals in attendance, but it's unknown whether the Queen will be among them (Getty Images)

Get the royal stories you want straight to your inbox. Sign up to one of the Mirror's newsletters

A statement read: “Members of the Royal Family will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, 29th March.

“The Service will give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s dedication to family, Nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.

“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 organisations with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life.”

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is expected to feature prominently in next week's service, with a tribute to be given in the abbey by a recipient of the gold award.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.