A special Thanksgiving Service will be held at Westminster Abbey next week, on March 29 to honour Prince Philip's life and legacy. It is expected to be attended by hundreds of people, including the British royal family, other European royals and representatives from the charities he was a patron of. While an official guest list has not been announced yet, here are the possible attendees of the ceremony
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British Royal Family
The Queen – So far, the queen plans to attend the ceremony, however, there can be last-minute changes in the plan. Her Majesty may be forced to miss the memorial service owing to her delicate health. Reportedly, arrangements like a helicopter, private screen and wheelchair may be used to get her into Westminster Abbey for the ceremony.
Prince Andrew – The disgraced prince who has been keeping a low profile after his sex abuse court case will take part in the event, according to his spokesperson. Since the settlement, Prince Andrew has rarely been seen out and about in the media.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – A spokesperson for The Sussexes has confirmed that Prince Harry and his family will not be attending the ceremony. This comes after he confirmed not feeling safe while visiting the UK and was denied State security.
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles and Camilla – All four of them have confirmed their names as the list of attendees for Prince Philip’s thanksgiving memorial service. Other British royal family members would include:
- Prince Edward and wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex
- Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
- Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
- Princess Anne and husband Timothy Laurence
- Prince Edward, Duke of Kent
- Princess Alexandra
- Peter Philips
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European Royal Family
Prince Philip’s memorial service will be broadcast live on BBC for all those who will not be able to take part in it. It will be aired on BBC One from 10.30 am to 12.15 pm. Apart from the British royal family, the following European royal families are expected to be a part of it:
- King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
- King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway
- King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain
- Queen Margrethe of Denmark
- Princess Beatrix, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
- Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania and Prince Radu
- King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
Other than these, Prince Philip’s remaining family members from Germany will also be a part of the event. Officials from the UK government, the armed forces, and devolved administrations, as well as high commissioners and representatives from overseas territories, will be among the attendees.
