Preparations begin for the Queen ahead of Philip’s memorial service
After her recent mobility issues, a huge operation is underway to ensure Queen Elizabeth II is as comfortable as possible ahead of her late husband’s memorial service.
The service to commemorate Prince Philip one year after his death is due to take place at Westminster Abbey on March 29, but the Queen may be taking a different route than usual in and out of the Abbey.
Buckingham Palace aides are said to be considering several options to allow the Queen to attend the mass without being seen walking with difficulty, including entering the Abbey via the Poet’s Corner or arriving by helicopter, per The Sun.
The monarch was last seen at the Abbey in October 2021 for the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, where she was spotted using a walking stick.
Soon after that event, which saw her take her usual route into the Abbey, the Queen was forced to cancel a number of events on her doctors’ orders.
According to the publication, staff have ruled out using a wheelchair, and are considering using privacy screens to shield the monarch from cameras as she walks.
Another idea could see the Queen break with tradition and arrive before the other guests to take her seat early.
“Everything is being looked at to make sure the Queen makes it to Philip’s service,” a source told The Sun.
“But the most important thing is to make sure she is comfortable.
“A 15-minute flight is better than an hour in the back of a car. Some days she can walk around easily. Other days she cannot. It varies day by day.”
The Queen, who turns 96 next month, is hoping to lead the mourners at Prince Philip’s service.
Other senior royals in attendance will include Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as European royals who were unable to attend the funeral and surviving members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s family from Germany.
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