The Duke of Sussex is to miss his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service, it has been confirmed.
Harry will not return to the UK from the US to join the royal family at the high-profile occasion in Westminster Abbey on March 29, a spokesperson for the duke confirmed.
He hopes to visit his grandmother the Queen soon, the spokesperson added.
Prince Harry walks in the procession at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, during the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
Victoria Jones
Harry has pursued a legal challenge against the Home Office after being told he would no longer be given the “same degree” of personal protective security when visiting from the US, despite offering to pay for it himself.
He was last in London in the summer of 2021, and a legal representative has since said his security was compromised after his car was chased by paparazzi photographers as he left a charity event.
Earlier today it was announced the by Buckingham Palace that the Queen will not attend the annual Commonwealth Day service with senior royals and instead be represented by the Prince of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth II.
Joe Giddens
The head of state, who has recently recovered from a bout of Covid, hoped to join Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the important occasion in the royal calendar.
But a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “After discussing the arrangements with the Royal Household, the Queen has asked the Prince of Wales to represent Her Majesty at the Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
“The Queen will continue with other planned engagements, including in-person audiences, in the week ahead.”