Prince Harry Will Not Return to the U.K. for Prince Philip Event After Queen Elizabeth II Misses Commonwealth Day Service

usmagazine.com:

Royal retreat? Prince Harry will not return to the U.K. for an upcoming event in honor of his late grandfather Prince Philip.

The news came as Queen Elizabeth II decided to skip the approaching Commonwealth Day Service following her COVID-19 battle.A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to Us Weekly on Friday, March 11, that Harry, 37, will not travel to his native country for the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Philip, which is set to take place on March 29.

However, the prince hopes to visit the queen, 95, as soon as possible.Earlier on Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch will not attend the Commonwealth Day Service on Monday, March 14. “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,” a statement to Us read. “The queen will continue with other planned engagements, including in person audiences, in the week ahead.”The statement noted that Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince William and Duchess Kate will be present at the Commonwealth Day Service in the queen’s absence.

The sovereign’s Commonwealth Day message will also “be distributed in the usual way.”The service honoring Philip will take place nearly one year after his death in April 2021 at age 99.