Why Prince Philip Didn't Join the Royal Family at This Morning's National Service of Remembrance
This morning, senior members of the royal family gathered at the Cenotaph in London, a monument in honor of Britain's war dead, to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
During the national service of remembrance, a number of wreaths were laid in memory of those who died in combat. Prince Charles presented one on behalf of the Queen, who watched the event from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building. Germany's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier laid another in what some are calling a "historic act of reconciliation."
A third wreath was laid on behalf of Prince Philip, but that one was presented by an equerry, as the Duke of Edinburgh was not in attendance at this morning's ceremony.
Prince Philip has been retired from royal duties since August of 2017, but he is regularly seen at family occasions like Harry and Eugenie's weddings earlier this year, and he does attend public events from time to time.
The Duke now "operates on a 'wake up and see how I feel' basis," according to The Telegraph, so perhaps he simply wasn't feeling up for it this morning.
The Queen was joined on the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building by her daughter-in-law, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. It was a rare glimpse of the reigning monarch and two future Queens, and a sign of the increased roles that Camilla and Kate are likely to play as the Queen steps back from public duty.
But Philip's lack of attendance today shouldn't be cause for concern. Despite having a few health concerns earlier this year, including a successful hip surgery this past spring, he seems to be doing well. Case in point: on Tuesday, the 97-year-old Duke was spotted carriage riding on the grounds of Windsor Castle. His wife, the Queen, was seen on horseback.
('You Might Also Like',)