Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were on Friday expected to make their first public appearance in Britain in two years, at a church service for Queen Elizabeth II. But any hopes that the family would be all back together were scuppered after his grandmother overdid it at Thursday’s launch of the four days of celebrations for her historic Platinum Jubilee.
Buckingham Palace said the 96-year-old monarch, who has been dogged by mobility problems for months, experienced “some discomfort” after two public appearances on the balcony after the Trooping the Colour military parade.
“Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in (Friday’s) national service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend,” it added. There will be no sign either of the queen’s second son Prince Andrew, who was not at Thursday’s parade.
It was later announced he had tested positive for COVID. Royal officials have reportedly urged the queen to pace herself during the public events for her record-breaking 70 years on the throne because of her difficulties standing and walking.
What the palace has described as “episodic mobility problems” forced her to pull out of engagements since October last year.
But her heir Prince Charles, 73, will be there to represent her as the most senior-ranking royal, in preparation for his future role as king. On Thursday, he stood in for his mother at the Trooping the Colour, taking the salute on horseback.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at Trooping the Colour – their first public royal event since 2020 💙#QueensJubilee pic.twitter.com/XdX6hF02C3
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) June 2, 2022
More than 400 people have been invited to Friday’s service, including health and social care staff to give thanks for their work during the COVID pandemic.
The Bible readings, prayers and hymns on Friday are designed to reflect on and recognise what the palace said was the queen’s “lifetime of service”. Former British Army captain Harry and American television actress Meghan, who is of mixed race, were once hailed as the modern face of the monarchy after they wed in 2018.
But less than two years later they quit royal life and moved to the United States, launching a series of damaging broadsides, including of racism. The couple’s attendance was as good as confirmed last week, when their biographer Omid Scobie told reporters in London they would be there.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they are formally known, kept a low profile on Thursday and were excluded from the royal balcony appearance because they are no longer “working royals.
Source: thesouthafrican
In other news – Londie London speaks on her second pregnancy
South African musician, Londie London recently opened up about her second pregnancy during an interview. The star was the cover story for Batswadi Magazine where she revealed some of the things she is going through.
In her words, the pregnancy is not easy for her and her belly is heavier this time. Learn more
