Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating her platinum jubilee this year, attended a service in honor of her late husband Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey. She was emotional as the service celebrated 99 years of his life that he had dedicated to both his wife and Great Britain.
The service was attended by a 1,800-strong congregation that included members of the royal family in Britain, with the exception of Prince William and Meghan Markle. Monarchs, mainly from Europe, dignitaries and people from the organizations under his patronage were also present at the service. They sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer following which the bells at Westminster Abbey rang out. This marked the end of the service.
The Queen had tears in her eyes as the congregation sang hymns. She might have been remembering the momentous occasions in her life that had taken place at the Abbey. She had married Prince Philip in the same church in November, 1947. She was crowned the Queen of the U.K., here, just over 70 years ago. And on this day, she was attending a service in honor of her late husband at the same venue, in central London.
The Queen needed the help of a stick to walk to her seat and from it. She clutched her son Prince Andrew’s elbow, with her other hand, for support. She had been determined to bid farewell to her beloved husband, according to palace sources. Her presence at the service was confirmed a few hours before it began,
When the 40-minute service ended, the Queen left for Windsor Castle, with the Duke of York beside her. He had waved at the photographers who clicked them leaving together.
Months ago, when Prince Philip died, the Queen mourned his loss alone, due to COVID protocols, in a poignant picture that was captured and reach the world. This was the also the same time some British parliamentarians and government officials were have having lockdown parties, despite the grief caused by the pandemic and the death of Prince Philip.
This time, Queen Elizabeth sat in a Canada chair that had an additional cushion. She stood up for the hymns, despite her recent health problems. Although she was teary eyed, she was surrounded by family, friends and well wishers, before she returned to Windsor Castle. She did not attend the receptions and other events that followed the service. Prince Charles took over as host.
