Queen Elizabeth To Decide Last Minute About Attending Prince Philip’s Memorial

Queen Elizabeth's attendance at Prince Philip's memorial service Tuesday is reportedly still uncertain. According to reports, contingency plans are being prepared by the palace and government officials to help with her absence if health or mobility issues stop her from attending.

"The date is in Her Majesty's diary, and she hopes to attend. The Queen remains fit and active, and it is amazing how much she still does. But her diary is being paced to reflect the realities of a woman of her age, and to ensure that she is able to continue to do as much as she can and would like to do," a royal source told the Sunday Times. "All events will now be scheduled so that if Her Majesty is unable to attend at short notice, another member of the royal family will still be present," the insider added.

The Queen held a virtual audience on Thursday. She expressed her hopes to attend the thanksgiving service to remember her late husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday despite her recent health issues, a Buckingham Palace source revealed. The 95-year-old Queen is to confirm her attendance at events on the day, with her family members on call to replace her.

Queen Elizabeth is currently residing at Windsor Castle. Royal aides announced details of the service to "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."

Due to health concerns, the Queen has pulled out of several significant occasions in the last six months. Prince Charles is prepared to read Queen Elizabeth's speech at the State Opening of Parliament should health prevent her from attending. According to officials, Charles will be standing in for the Queen if she is forced to miss the annual event on May 10. He is seen taking on a lot of duties on behalf of the Queen.

The British monarch had missed only two state openings, one in 1959 and another in 1963 when she was pregnant with the future princes Andrew and Edward.

Since testing positive for coronavirus, the Queen has undertaken light duties. She pulled out of a March 14 ceremony for the Commonwealth of the 54 nations, however, that decision was not related to any illness, as it is reportedly in connection with her comfort getting to and from the service.