King Gustav of Sweden Funny Hats
Royal families from around the world turned out in force to pay tribute to the extraordinary life of the Duke of Edinburgh today.
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were among those who made the journey to Westminster Abbey for the service of thanksgiving.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Prince Albert of Monaco were also in attendance, as were Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia, Prince Kyril of Preslav and the former Queen Anne-Marie of Greece.
There were representatives from defunct monarchies, including Prince Philip's goddaughter Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown. Another of his godchildren, Prince Philippos of Greece, arrived with his wife and older brother Crown Prince Pavlos.
From further afield there was Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan of Jordan, who are old friends of the Queen, and, perhaps most controversially, the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
The sovereigns were visibly moved as they attended today's ceremony before heading to a reception organised in London to honour the Duke of Edinburgh.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, Princess Beatrix The Netherlands and Prince Albert of Monaco left Westminster Abbey together
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain left the service arm-in-arm after joining foreign royals at Westminster Abbey
Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned head-to-toe black for a sophisticated appearance as she left with husband King Philippe
Queen Silvia of Sweden and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden attend the Memorial Service (left). Right, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Maria Teresa, wore a black dress with a matching clutch bag and silver jewellery for a chic look
Greece's Crown Prince Pavlos, Greece's Crown Princess Marie-Chantal, left,and Greece's former Queen Anne-Marie, right
Margareta of Romania arrived alongside husband Prince Radu for the service in tribute to Prince Philip
Queen Silvia of Sweden donned a navy dress with a carefully coordinated scarf and black shoes
Serbia's Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine also travelled to London to pay their respects to Prince Philip
Prince Kyril of Preslav (left) exited Westminster Abbey with Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma
The European royals looked visibly moved as they left the memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh
Denmark's Queen Margrethe stepped out alongside Netherlands' Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander, Princess Beatrix and Monaco's Prince Albert
Born to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, Prince Philip had ties to many of the European monarchies which were only strengthened when he married the then Princess Elizabeth.
His maternal grandmother, Princess Victoria of Hesse, was granddaughter of Queen Victoria, dubbed 'Europe's grandmother' because of her sprawling web of nine children and 42 grandchildren marring into other European families.
It is through Queen Victoria that both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are related to the thrones of Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark.
There are also familial links to the King of Spain, who touchingly referred to the Duke of Edinburgh as 'dear uncle Philip' in a statement shared after his death.
Queen Maxima paired an elegant grey dress with an ankle-grazing coat as she held the arm of husband King Willem-Alexander
Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (left) attended the service with her sons. Right, Prince Albert arrived without Charlene
Prince Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium left the service hand-in-hand after paying their respects to Prince Philip
Queen Letizia of the Spain looked elegant in an emerald green coat dress and matching hat as she arrived alongside her husband for the service.
She styled her hair in a neat bun and sported discreet accessories, with just a pair of small hoop earrings adorned with emeralds to complete the look.
Meanwhile, her husband King Felipe VI donned a dapper navy suit with a blue tie and white shirt for today's event.
The Spanish queen put her best foot forward in the emerald green coat on her arrival at Westminster Abbey
Queen Letizia of the Spain looked elegant in an emerald green coat dress and matching hat as she arrived alongside her husband for the service
Queen Letizia teamed her outfit with black court heels alongside a dapper King Felipe, who opted for a navy suit with a white shirt
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands arrived with Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander
Queen Silvia of Sweden and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (left). Right, Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain
As crowds of royal fans buzzed around the Abbey this morning, the Spanish royal couple made a grand entrance after travelling to London for Philip's memorial service
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium looked solemn this morning, both dressed in black, with the Queen donning a pear necklace and matching drop earrings
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, accompanied by Princess Beatrix, left, took in the measure of the event as they arrive this morning
Queen Margrethe teamed a black coat with a striped coat (pictured left), while Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands donned a green dress with a black cape
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark attends the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, looking elegant in a grey pinstripe coat
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain (left) and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. right, were among those who attended today
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands led the royal arrivals at the service of thanksgiving
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked chic black dress, which she paired with a cape and a matching hat. Her husband, King Willem-Alexander, wore a grey suit with a lilac tie and a white shirt.
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, who accompanied her son and his wife to the event, wore a green dress and matching hat as well as a light black coat for today's event.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium looked sombre in a black coat dress with a black hat and veil, a did Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who is typically known for her flamboyant fashion.
Members of the Greek royal family were also in attendance, with Prince Pavlos and the Duke of Edinburgh's godson Prince Philippos both joining their mother, Queen Anne-Marie.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands donned a black took with a cape and a matching hat. Meanwhile, King Willem-Alexander wore a grey suit with a lilac tie. Princess Beatrix, left, donned a green dress and a matching hat
Queen Maxima appeared visibly moved as she made her way to the Abbey for the Duke of Edinburg's memorial service
Queen Letizia sported a natural makeup and kept her accessories discreet with just a few earrings, including one with an emerald stone to complete the look
Queen Letizia of Spain looked stylish in an all-greenn ensemble with a matching hat Her husband wore a blue suit with a blue tie for today's occasion
The Spanish royals made a handsome couple as they arrived at the Abbey ahead of today's event. The stylish Queen was the picture of poise in her forest green dress
Crown Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal looked dapper in black and navy blue at today's memorial, representing the Greek side of Prince Philip's family. the Duke of Edinburgh was Pavlos' father King Constantine II's first cousin-once-removed
A who's who of the royals who have turned out to pay their respects to Prince Philip: From the Spanish King who called him 'dear uncle Philip' to his Greek prince godson
SPAIN: King Felipe and Queen Letizia
Affectionate: King Felipe of Spain, a distant relative of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, will attend with his wife Letizia (pictured). The King referred to the Queen and Prince Philip as 'dear aunt Lilibet' and 'dear uncle Philip' in a note sent after his death last year
Fond memories: King Felipe and Queen Letizia with the Queen and Prince Philip in 2017
King Felipe VI of Spain, 54, will be joined at the service by Queen Leizia, 49, a former journalist.
Felipe, who ascended the throne in 2014 upon the abdication of his father King Juan Carlos, referred to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as 'dear aunt Lilibet' and 'dear uncle Philip' in a deeply personal message sent in the days after Prince Philip's death.
The note sent to the Queen read: 'We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear Uncle Philip.
'We shall never forget the moments that we shared with him and the legacy of service and dedication to the Crown and the United Kingdom by your side.'
The familiarity between the British and Spanish royal households is due to centuries-old family ties.
Felipe's maternal great-grandfather, King Constantine I of Greece (1868 - 1923), was the older brother of Prince Philip's father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
Meanwhile Felipe's father, Juan Carlos of Spain, is the great-grandson of Queen Victoria's youngest child, Princess Beatrice, making him a distant cousin of the Queen.
Princess Beatrice's daughter Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg went on to become Queen Ena of Spain.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia were honoured at a State Visit to the UK in 2017.
NETHERLANDS: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima; Princess Beatrix
Family visit: Representing the Netherlands will be King Willem-Alexander, 54, and his wife Queen Máxima, 50. His mother Princess Beatrix (right) will also be in attendance
Personal sorrow: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid tribute to Prince Philip's 'lively personality' in a heartfelt tribute. Above, with the Queen and Prince Philip in 2015
Representing the Netherlands will be King Willem-Alexander, 54, and his wife Queen Máxima, 50.
He ascended the throne in 2013 following the abdication of his mother, Princess Beatrix, 84, who will also be in attendance.
The Queen and King Willem-Alexander are fifth cousins, twice removed. They are both related to Princess Carolina of Orange-Nassau (1743-1787), granddaughter of King George II.
Her parents were King George's daughter Anne, Princess Royal, and the Dutch Prince William VI.
Their grandson was Francis of Teck, later Duke of Teck, who married Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge. Mary Adelaide was the mother of Mary of Teck, who married King George V, the current Queen's grandfather.
King Willem-Alexander is a descendant of Carolina's through her eldest surviving son, Frederick William.
The Queen and the Dutch King are also both descendants of Frederick II Eugene, Duke of Württemberg.
SWEDEN: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia
Family ties: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Sonja of Sweden will both attend the service. The Swedish king's lineage traces back to Victoria on both his mother and father's sides
Shared experiences: Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (left, alongside Queen Elizabeth, Queen Silvia, and Prince Philip in 1983) also paid tribute, calling the duke 'a good friend of our family'
The Queen's third cousin King Carl XVI Gustaf, 75, and his wife Queen Silvia, 78, will will be among the congregation.
The link between the British and Swedish monarchs goes back to Queen Victoria, the Queen's great-great grandmother (through her father, King George VI) and King Carl XVI Gustaf's great-great grandmother.
The Swedish king's lineage traces back to Victoria on both his mother and father's sides, making him a distant claimant to the throne.
His paternal grandfather, King Gustaf VI Adolf, was married to Princess Margaret, Queen Victoria's granddaughter through her son Prince Albert.
Another of Victoria's sons, Prince Leopold, had two children with Princess Helena Friederike of Waldeck and Pyrmont, including Charles Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and King Carl XVI Gustaf's maternal grandfather.
In a statement released after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, King Carl XVI said: 'Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued.
'His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all.'
BELGIUM: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
'Deeply saddened': King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will also make the journey
King Philippe of Belgium, 61, who is related to the Queen through Queen Victoria, will attend the service with his wife Queen Mathilde, 49.
The Queen and Philippe are also both descendants of Christian IX of Denmark, whose six children married into other royal families across Europe, earning him the title 'father-in-law of Europe'.
In a joint statement shared after the death of Prince Philip, the couple said: 'Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
'We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.
'We will always cherish the memories of our warm encounters.'
DENMARK: Queen Margrethe II
Close friend: Queen Margrethe of Denmark has a close relationship with the Queen
Royal visitor: Queen Margrethe and her daughter-in-law Crown Princess Mary recently welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge on her solo visit to Copenhagen
The Duke of Edinburgh was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, so it is no surprise both royal families will be represented at the order of service.
Flying the flag for Denmark will be Queen Margrethe, who is known affectionately as 'aunt Daisy' by many European royals due to her close relationship with
The 81-year-old monarch will fly solo at the Service of Thanksgiving, although she is often joined at royal events by her son Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, and daughter-in-law Princess Mary.
Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary recently welcomed the Duchess of Cambridge on her solo visit to Copenhagen.
Queen Margrethe II enjoys a close personal relationship with the Queen and was related to the Duke of Edinburgh through King Christian IX of Denmark.
King Christian IX - dubbed the 'father-in-law of Europe' due to his far-reaching progeny - was the great-great-grandfather of Queen Margrethe and the great-grandfather of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Danish queen is also related to Queen Elizabeth through Queen Victoria.
Margrethe lost her husband Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark, in 2018.
GREECE: Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes; Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal; Prince Philippos and Princess Nina of Greece
Greek royalty: Among the Duke of Edinburgh's Greek relatives in attendance will be Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, the last Queen of Greece and wife of King Constantine II. Pictured, Anne-Marie with her husband in 2012
Personal connection: Prince Charles's godson Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece will attend with his wife Marie-Chantal (left). Above, with their daughter Olympia at Eugenie's wedding
The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Diana were both godparents to his younger brother, Prince Philippos, who married wife Nina in a wedding attended by Eugenie and Beatrice
Among the Duke of Edinburgh's Greek relatives in attendance will be Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, the last Queen of Greece and wife of King Constantine II, her children, Crown Prince Pavlos and Prince Philippos, and their respective wives.
Queen Anne-Marie is the daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark and his wife Ingrid of Sweden, and the younger sister of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. She had to renounce her claim to the Danish throne on marrying Constantine II.
Queen Anne-Marie is a great-great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, making her a third cousin of both Prince Philip and the Queen.
King Constantine II was a first cousin once removed of Prince Philip; both were descended from King George I of Greece.
Their children also have ties to the royal family. Prince Pavlos is Prince Charles's godson, while the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Diana were both godparents to his younger brother, Prince Philippos.
Pavlos and Philippos will be joined at the service by their wives. Pavlos' wife Marie-Chantal is a queen bee socialite who's friends with Zoe de Givenchy, Tory Burch and the Italian fashion designer Valentino.
Meanwhile Philippos married wife Nina in three separate ceremonies in 2020 and 2021. Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and their husbands were all in attendance.
MONACO: Prince Albert
Solo visit: Prince Albert of Monaco, 64, will attend without his wife Princess Charlene
Prince Albert of Monaco, 64, will attend without his wife Princess Charlene.
Princess Charlene recently returned to Monaco following an extended stay away due to health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a 'state of profound general fatigue'.
The mother-of-two was reportedly admitted to a private Swiss clinic in late November, within days of her return to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa.
However Princess Charlene remains out of the spotlight and will have a period of rest and recuperation at home before resuming her official duties.
Prince Albert is the only son of Rainier III of Monaco and his Hollywood wife Princess Grace Kelly.
His wedding to Charlene was attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
LUXEMBOURG: Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess
Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, will be represented at the service by his wife, the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
The Queen and Henri are related through Carolina of Orange-Nassau, an ancestor of the Queen's grandmother Mary of Teck.
Henri is also a descendant of Carolina through her eldest surviving son Frederick William, Prince of Nassau-Weilburg whose marriage to heiress Louise Isabelle of Kirchberg produced William, Duke of Nassau.
His eldest son Adolphe, in turn, became the first independent Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
On the death of Prince Philip, Henri released a lengthy statement, saying: 'Prince Philip brought the same discipline and intelligence to his activities as Prince Consort and will be fondly and respectfully remembered for his strong support and dedication to Your Majesty, Your family and the United Kingdom.
'Personally, we hold many great memories of our meetings over the past decades. Not only his earnest commitment to social and environmental causes, but also his wit and humour impressed us deeply.
'The friendship that Your Majesty and His Royal Highness shared with my late parents still holds a special meaning for my family.'
ROMANIA: Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania
Building relationships: Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania
Prince Philip's goddaughter Margareta is the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, making her head of a defunct monarchy. The throne is not recognised by the Romanian parliament and lacks legal validity without approval by the country's Parliament.
Her father, King Michael of Romania, was Philip's cousin. British-educated, she was the lover for five years of future Labour PM Gordon Brown. She later went back to Romania and married actor Radu Duda, the son of a professor.
Although Margareta has no official role within the politics of Romania to maintain ties with other countries, she has fostered diplomatic relationships with numerous foreign dignitaries in her capacity as a head of the House of Romania.
During these visits she is often accompanied by her husband Prince Radu, who is a special Romanian Government representative for Integration, Co-operation and Sustainable Development.
Margareta is the Royal Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Romania.
In November 2021 she spent time with Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex at the couple's home at Bagshot Park.
BAHRAIN: Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Controversial: Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 52
Royal visit: The Crown Prince during a royal engagement with William and Kate in 2018
Among the most controversial guests will be Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 52, the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
His grandfather, the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his wife, Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa, spent time with the Queen and Prince Philip during their highly publicised tour of the Middle East in 1979.
The relationship has continued over the decades with both Salman and his father, King Hamad, being seenwith Queen in the Royal Box at Ascot.
They have both hosted visits from both the Prince of Wales and Prince Andrew in the past.
However the relationship has also been the subject of widespread public criticism.
Just days before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, the Crown Prince's staff told the Palace that he was withdrawing his acceptance of an invitation.
The 11th-hour change of heart spared the couple potential embarrassment as human rights activists had threatened to disrupt Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's stay in London, insisting he was the chief architect of the crackdown on the Arab Spring uprising.
The couple had invited the Prince as part of a long-standing protocol in inviting the 'Crowned Heads of the World' and their staff had sought Foreign Office advice.
The Queen also raised eyebrows when she invited the King of Bahrain to attend her 90th birthday celebrations.
JORDAN: Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan
Friends of the Queen: Old Harrovian Prince Hassan of Jordan, 75, the uncle of the reigning King Abdullah II, and his wife Princess Sarvath, 74, will be in attendance
Old Harrovian Prince Hassan of Jordan, 75, the uncle of the reigning King Abdullah II, and his wife Princess Sarvath, 74, are friends of the Queen.
She has spent weekends with them in Wimbledon, where the prince has a house
His large detached house is not far from Wimbledon Common and its bridle paths, so that guests can hear the clip-clopping of ponies from a nearby riding school.
The Princess has been a guest of the Royal Family at Ascot and was given the honour of riding in a carriage with Princess Anne.
SERBIA: Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine
Prince Charles's close friend: Crown Prince Alexander, 76, will arrive for the service with his wife, Crown Princess Katherine, 78
Prince Charles's close friend Crown Prince Alexander, 76, will arrive for the service with his wife, Crown Princess Katherine, 78.
Alexander was born in exile at London's Claridge's hotel, temporarily declared Yugoslavia for a day in 1945 to get around succession laws requiring future kings to be born on home territory.
He is the only child of King Peter II and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark, who was a childhood playmate of her cousin the Duke of Edinburgh.
Born and raised in the UK, he is a godson of the Queen and through his father a direct descendent of Queen Victoria.
He is known for his support of the monarchy and his humanitarian work.
Prince Kyril of Preslav
Distant relative: Kyril is the second son of King Simeon II, also known as Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, a fourth cousin of George VI
Born in 1964, Kyril is the second son of King Simeon II, also known as Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who had served as the last reigning Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943 to 1946, before later serving as Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 2001 to 2005.
Simeon is a fourth cousin of the Queen's father, George VI, and attended the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
In September 1989, Kyril married María del Rosario Nadal y Fuster de Puigdorfila, also known as Rosario Nadal, the daughter of Miguel Nadal y Pestard, a Balearic Islands industrialist.
Kyril is now dating British businesswoman and art historian Katharine Butler, a former University of Edinburgh professor and daughter of British diplomat Sir Michael Butler.
Queen sheds a tear for beloved Philip: Emotional monarch wears green in tribute to late husband at Westminster Abbey memorial attended by Kate, Wills, Charles and Camilla... a year after sitting alone at his funeral at height of the pandemic
The Queen shed a tear for Prince Philip at an extraordinary service in remembrance of his remarkable life of service to Britain and his wife today.
Her Majesty stood in Westminster Abbey where she had personally ensured her beloved husband's final wishes were fulfilled after his covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much.
The 95-year-old monarch used a stick as she was walked to her seat by her disgraced son the Duke of York to give her 'strength and stay' Philip the final farewell he had wanted. The service was attended by the Royal Family and his relatives, friends and people who benefitted from his charities. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the only senior royals not there.
Despite battling mobility problems, she stood to pray and sing anthems during a 40-minute service that her husband of 73 years had helped plan for before his death last April. But in a controversial decision she chose Prince Andrew to support her as she arrived and left the church, clutching his elbow with one hand and a walking stick with the other.
The Queen had stood with tears in her eyes as the 1,800-strong congregation sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer before the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out to mark the end of the memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh.
After she leant on Andrew as she walked back out of the church, the Queen appeared to grimace as she walked to the car hunched over with the Duke of York at her side guiding her towards the Bentley.
She appeared to be holding tightly to her stick and appeared to be making a great effort to get to the vehicle, concentrating very hard in taking each step. Once inside the car she appeared to be back to her normal composed self as the car slowly drove away. She waved to onlookers as she arrived and left the service.
The Queen and the packed abbey had listened as the Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Philip's intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family.
The Right Reverend David Conner described the duke as a 'remarkable man' who was committed to 'a host of down-to-earth enterprises'. He pointed out that the duke could be 'abrupt', and suggested that at times he could forget 'just how intimidating he could be'.
Princess Beatrice was seen to give a small chuckle as the Dean remarked: 'He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.' But then appeared to break down in tears, covering her face with the order of service.
The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal were all dressed in dark green in a subtle tribute to Philip, whose livery colour was Edinburgh Green.A number of others throughout the congregation also wore the shade, including Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare who delivered a special tribute about the effect Philip's youth scheme had on her life.
Flowers at today's service are a patriotic red, white and blue, at Her Majesty's request. They included dendrobium orchids, which also featured in the Queen's wedding bouquet, and eryngium - or sea holly - echoing the duke's career in the Royal Navy and lifelong affection for the sea. There were also multiple tributes to his intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family and his country.
The Queen stood and shed a tear for her husband today at an extraordinary service in remembrance of his life
The Queen closed her eyes in prayer as she joined senior royals to pay tribute to Prince Philip at his memorial at Westminster Abbey. When she opened her eyes they appeared moist
Her Majesty stands to sing surrounded by her family with the Duke of York also on the front row.From left to right, front row: Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn. (Second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, Mia Tindall, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall
Princess Beatrice was overwhelmed by the service. Stood behind the Queen she cried and covered her face with the order of service as her grandmother removed her glasses
Her Majesty walked with the help of a stick but stood without support sat next to Charles, Camilla, Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Across the aisle was Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew travelled with the Queen to Westminster Abbey and appeared to escort her to her seat before taking his own
Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today's memorial service at Westminster Abbey
Queen Elizabeth II is helped into her car by her son Prince Andrew, right, after attending a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
She spoke to her son inside the car and waved to the crowds outside the service in London, which ended this afternoon
The Queen as she left Westminster Abbey in her Rolls-Royce today, wearing a regal purple and golden brooch
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who last month agreed to settle his sex assault lawsuit, left the service in a car with his mother the Queen
A sombre Prince Charles leaves the church with his wife Camilla, who also looked moved by the celebration of Prince Philip's life
Charles was seen wiping his eyes at the service where he could say goodbye to his father after a pared back funeral last year. Prince Andrew looked serious as he waited to leave with his mother
Prince William rests a hand on the back of his son Prince George, at the end of the memorial service for Prince Philip
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left the Abbey with two of their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte
The Cambridges departing the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
The Duchess of Cambridge smiled out of the window of her car as she left the Abbey with Prince William after the service
The Queen sits alone at Philip's pared-down funeral last April - in stark contrast to today's celebration. It was one of the defining photos of the pandemic, where many Britons were forced to mourn their loved ones in small ceremonies, sometimes alone
Her Majesty had arrived at the side door of the church, allowing her to walk a shorter distance from Poets' Corner to the front where she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She stood at various points in the service, despite her own admission recently that she is struggling to move.
Westminster Abbey was completely packed today to celebrate the 99-year life of Prince Philip as Her Majesty battled mobility issues and fought off covid to be there to say goodbye to her husband after 73 years of marriage.
The event, attended by most of the Duke of Edinburgh's family and many of Europe's most senior royals, is in the starkest of contrasts to his pared back funeral at Windsor last April when Her Majesty said goodbye to her strength and stay after 73 years of marriage.
The Queen finally decided to attend today's service in Central London around two hours before but the coverage of the Service of Thanksgiving was dominated by her extraordinary decision to travel with her disgraced son Prince Andrew from Windsor Castle to Central London.
Her Majesty was determined to be amongst the 1,800 guests despite the 95-year-old's mobility problems that have prevented her doing a major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months. The Tindalls were the first close family to arrive, followed Princess Anne, the Wessexes, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and then the Cambridges, who were with their children George and Charlotte. The Queen was the last to arrive with Andrew.
It was a move that royal watchers believe may have upset her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William – both instrumental in the decision to take away the Duke of York's 'HRH'.
The Queen chose her second son to join her in the back of her royal car for the 22-mile journey and he was also given a front row in the church, right next to his other siblings at the service just weeks after he paid millions to one of Jeffrey Epstein's sex slaves, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused him of having sex with her three times when she was trafficked to London aged 17.
The Queen's state limousine arrived at Poets' Yard entrance with Andrew sat beside her. As they walked through the famous section of the abbey towards her seat, in a small procession, the monarch held onto her son's elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right.
They walked at a slow but steady pace both looking ahead, and at the end of the aisle they separated - with Andrew giving a last glance to his mother as she turned right. After the first hymn, Charles, who was sat next to her mother, could be seen leaning over to speak to the Queen seated next to him - but it is not clear what was said. The Queen then delved into her black Launer handbag for her glasses to read the order of service.
After the 40 minute service, Her Majesty was escorted out of the abbey by the Duke of York. As the monarch stopped to greet Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare, Andrew stood back and at one point broke into a smile.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first to leave Westminster Abbey alongside the abbey's chapter.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed. All four royals waved at the crowd outside as they were driven away in black cars.
Despite her frailty, Queen Elizabeth II stands during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey today
The congregation takes its place ahead of the service. The Queen made the final decision to attend this morning, hours before she was due to travel the 22 miles from Windsor Castle to Central London. She held Andrew's elbow
The royal family paying an emotional tribute to Prince Philip at today's service at Westminster Abbey
Her Majesty listens to the various eulogies to her husband at the Service of Remembrance held almost a year after his funeral
The Queen, 95, fought frailty to be in the church with her family at an event she had helped plan for her husband
The Queen stands for the first hymn at the service in remembrance of her beloved husband Prince Philip
Prince Andrew walked his mother up the aisle after she arrived via a side door rather than the main entrance to shorten the distance
The Queen has been 'actively involved' in plans for the service 'with many elements reflecting Her Majesty's wishes'
Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today's memorial service at Westminster Abbey
The royals, led by the Queen despite her recent health issues, join the congregation in singing hymns during today's service
The royals ahead of the service: In the front row are The Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence. The Cambridges are in the second row while Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, along with their husbands, are among the royals in the third row
She left as she arrived, being supported by her son Andrew - reputedly her favourite
The Queen remained seated during the service with aides taking special measures to ensure her comfort after recent heath issues
Princess Charlotte and Prince George sit with the mother the Duchess of Cambridge during today's service at Westminster Abbey
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by clergy as they arrived ahead of today's service of celebration for Prince Philip
A serious looking Prince William sits down next to his wife, George and Charlotte to say goodbye to his grandfather
The Queen sat beside Andrew, the royal who lost his HRH just weeks ago over his links to Epstein and civil case
Crowds piled outside Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to Prince Philip as the service in his memorial continued
Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Service Of Thanksgiving For The Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
Today the monarch ensured that her beloved husband's final wishes are fulfilled after his Covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much. Her Majesty has been 'actively involved' in every element of his service of thanksgiving that will see Westminster Abbey packed to the rafters.
Even the smallest of touches have been overseen by the Queen, including the use of orchids that formed part of her 1947 wedding bouquet being used in small posies of flowers.
Prince Philip's beloved Sea Cadets and young people who have taken his Duke of Edinburgh awards are centre stage at the service that will see the Abbey reverberate with the sound of hymns including Guide me, O thou great Redeemer.
All Prince Philip's family chose to attend apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. On Prince Andrew's left is his brother the Earl of Wessex and Edward's family the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Across an aisle on his right is the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales and the Queen.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte also attended with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and be sat behind the Queen. Behind Andrew and Edward's family were Peter Phillips, and Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.
The Duke of Edinburgh's intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family were celebrated in an address by the Dean of Windsor.
The Right Reverend David Conner paid tribute to Philip as a 'remarkable man' who was committed to 'a host of down-to-earth enterprises'.
He pointed out that the duke could be 'abrupt' and suggested that at times he could forget 'just how intimidating he could be'.
Addressing the congregation in Westminster Abbey, Mr Conner said: 'He was practical, wanting to put flesh upon his dreams, and (acknowledging the limitations of living in this so-called 'real world') he devoted his astonishing intellectual and physical energy, his enormous capacity for sheer hard work, to a host of down-to-earth enterprises.
'These included the equipping of young people to face tomorrow's challenges, the encouragement of respect and care for the natural order, and his pioneering work in facilitating conversation between representatives of the different world faiths.
'Through his passionate commitment, he drew others to himself in admiration and respect and, in the case of those who lived and worked most closely to him, genuine love.'
Mr Conner added: 'He would hate to think that I should paint a picture of him as a 'plaster saint'; someone without the usual human foibles and failings.
'He was far too self-aware ever to be taken in by flattery. Of course, it must be said that his life bore the marks of sacrifice and service.
'Certainly, he could show great sympathy and kindness. There is no doubt that he had a delightfully engaging, and often self-deprecating, sense of humour.
'It is quite clear that his mind held together both speculation and common sense. Moreover, nobody would ever doubt his loyalty and deep devotion to our Queen and to their family.
'Yet, there were times when he could be abrupt; maybe, in robust conversation, forgetting just how intimidating he could be.
'A kind of natural reserve sometimes made him seem a little distant. He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.
'On the other hand, we should not forget that he himself was sometimes wounded by being unfairly criticised or misunderstood.'
Concluding his address, the dean said: 'As we give thanks for the life of a remarkable man, perhaps our greatest tribute to him, most especially in these far too troubled times, will be for us to accept the challenge, implicit in his life, to rekindle in our hearts something of that call, and to pray (as I think he did) for the inspiration and the guidance to play our part, however small, in working for a kinder future.
Queen Elizabeth II is driven in to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
The Cambridges arrived at the church hand in hand with their children Charlotte and George. Louis stayed at home
The Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte arrive at today's service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Charles shook hands with the clergy as they entered the church just before Midday
Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today
Princess Eugenie (left) and Princess Beatrice (right) pictured arriving at a service of thanksgiving for late Prince Philip
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arriving at the poignant Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Peter Phillips with Isla Phillips and Savannah Phillips (right) arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Timothy Laurence and Anne, Princess Royal, arriving ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Princess Royal arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh and greeting Duke of Edinburgh award recipients
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrive at Westminster Abbey
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) today ahead of the service to remember Prince Philip
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle to travel to Westminster Abbey this morning, with her son Prince Andrew sat on her right
While the Queen's arrival at Westminster Abbey was mentioned in the order of service, a final decision on her attendance was only confirmed two hours before because of her frailty.
The Princess Royal arrived at Westminster Abbey. Wearing a long green dress and hat, Anne arrived alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Peter Phillips' children Savannah and Isla were sitting next to their cousin Mia, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. The girls were dressed in navy with their hair fixed back with headbands.
Once inside Westminster Abbey, guests were escorted to their seats, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands smiling at members of the Abbey's chapter, or governing body, standing by the great West Door, as they walked in. The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children also smiled warmly at the welcoming clergy.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and her daughter, Lady Louise, smiled and chatted to each other after taking their seats in the Abbey.
The Duke's family ahead of the service: In the second row is Peter Philips with daughters Savannah and Isla. Next to them is Mia Tindall with parents Zara Philips and Mike Tindall. In the front row are Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex with children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn
The Cambridges arrived shortly after Prince Charles and Camilla ahead of today's memorial service for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey for the memorial service to Prince Philip today. She was joined by Prince William and her children George and Charlotte
The Tindalls were the first senior British royals to arrive, holding one of their daughter Mia's hands
Lady Louise Windsor arriving at the Westminster Abbey service for Prince Philip today. The Service will pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today
Peter Phillips attended the service with his children Savannah and Isla
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice file into the main church
Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent attend the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey
The Queen leaves Windsor Castle in a car this morning with her disgraced son Prince Andrew to travel to London
Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving for Philip
Lady Susan Hussey, the Queen's lady-in-waiting, arrives with her foot in a brace and on crutches at Westminster Abbey today
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives at Westminster Abbey for the service this morning
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, spoke with Prince Kyril of Preslav after the service
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick (left) and Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart (right) arrive today
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right) arrive at Westminster Abbey this morning
Guests walk into Westminster Abbey and take their seats ahead of this morning's service to remember Prince Philip
Chancellor Rishi Sunak (left) and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (right) at Westminster Abbey today
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England (right), arrive this morning
Guests arrive for Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
Guests arrive for Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning
Members of the congregation queue at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service of thanksgiving for the life of Philip
Guests arrive to attend the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning
Earlier today, royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of Prince Philip's Century, told GB News: 'I think that Prince Andrew may play a more prominent role than we think earlier on. My understanding is that someone has to support the Queen and he may well be by her side. I think Charles will probably be with Camilla.'
Overnight, royal aides revealed the Queen has been 'actively involved' in plans for the service 'with many elements reflecting Her Majesty's wishes' as the order of service was unveiled at midnight.
It includes several elements the Duke had planned for his funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in April last year but which were forbidden by Covid restrictions at the time.
Among them is the involvement of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets, his expressed wish for the congregation to sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for clergy from the royal estates of Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part.
His funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor was limited to just 30 mourners in the midst of the pandemic and mass singing was banned, with the Queen sitting alone in a mask.
Around 1,800 guests are due at today's service, including British and European royalty, representatives of the many charities of which the duke was patron or president, Boris and Carrie Johnson, and Sir David Attenborough.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not returning from the US for the service.
While the Queen's arrival was mentioned in the order of service, it is understood that a final decision on her attendance was not made until first thing this morning.
She has recently been forced to pull out of a string of engagements because of ill health and old age. She was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service this month because of concerns about her mobility and comfort.
Palace and Abbey aides are thought to have taken steps to ensure that the service is less taxing for the Queen.
Instead of arriving at the usual West Entrance to the Abbey, which would involve steps and a long walk down the Nave in front of the cameras, the Queen could be driven around the side of the building and enter away from public view via the 'Poet's Entrance'.
She would then have a far shorter walk down the South Transept to her seat. It is likely she would walk with the aid of a stick.
The service will gave thanks for the duke's dedication to family, nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.
One of the elements planned for the funeral which has now been included in the service will see nine Gold Award holders from The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, plus representatives from UK Cadet Force Associations, line entry routes into Westminster Abbey.
Philip, who died in April last year aged 99, launched the DofE Award in 1956 and was Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force, a role he first took up in 1953.
A tenth DofE gold award holder, Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London, will give a tribute to His Royal Highness's legacy, recognising the impact of the Award on young people across the globe.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, will conduct the service and describe the duke in the Bidding as 'a man of rare ability and distinction' who 'ever directed our attention away from himself.'
He will say: 'He put privilege to work and understood his rank as a spur to service. Working at pace, with so many claims on his attention, he encouraged us to focus, as he was focussed, on the things that matter.
'His was a discipline and character that seized opportunity and overcame obstruction and difficulty. We recall, with affection and respect, the sustained offering of a long life lived fully.'
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10663147/Worlds-royal-families-turn-force-remember-Prince-Philip.html
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