Andrew extended a firm hand to the Queen as he walked to Westminster Abbey to commemorate her husband’s life, a few weeks after a multimillion-pound out-of-court settlement was reached in a political sexual assault case. The event at Westminster Abbey was an opportunity for Philip’s immediate family, European kings and queens, charitable leaders and young people whose generation was supported by the Duke to say their last goodbyes after his funeral was reduced. to 30 mourners over Covid regulations. In the end, as the National Anthem played, the Queen – who attended her first major public event in more than five months – looked excited, blinking several times as her family sang around her. Queen and Prince Andrew at the monument to Prince Philip (PA) The dean of Windsor, the right-wing priest David Conner, gave the keynote address and paid tribute to Philip’s abilities and also highlighted his shortcomings – just as the duke would have liked. He described Philip as a man with a “passionate commitment” who devoted his “mental and physical energy” to a “multitude of earthly operations”, but he could also be “abrupt” in a heated discussion, forgetting how he could be. intimidating “. Among those in attendance were the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Basilica, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugene. Windsor Dean David Conner reads the tribute (PA) Prince George and Princess Charlotte were also present in honor of their great-grandfather – the first time they had attended a large public church service. The 95-year-old queen was determined to make her appearance in the deeply personal occasion on Tuesday in honor of Philip’s “strength and stay”, with her presence confirmed just that morning. The prominent and symbolic role played by Andrew – who has long been rumored to be the Queen’s favorite child – has been described by some commentators as a practical decision, but others have suggested that it is a move to restore the duke. Former Royal BBC correspondent Peter Hunt told the PA news agency: “It did not happen by accident. He could have sat in church with others, with his relatives, but they actively decided that he would have this role to support her. William and Kate bring their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte (PA) “So he chose, in essence, to remind people that he has not admitted any crime, he is not guilty of anything, he is innocent. And he states very clearly that he has a role in family circumstances “. The memorial service was a moving one for some, with Andrew’s daughter Beatrice weeping during the first hymn, shortly after the Queen arrived with the Duke of York. She held her hand to her face, but could not hold back her tears, covering her face with her order. She was comforted by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who put his hand on his wife’s back as she spread a tissue from her bag. Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (PA) The Queen, Camilla and Anna paid tribute to the Duke by wearing clothes in the green of Edinburgh – the vibrant color of Philip. The monarch had a reminder of her husband on her left shoulder, a yellow gold, ruby and diamond brooch, designed by Andrew Grima, which was a gift from her husband in 1966.
