Prince Harry accused of snubbing Queen Elizabeth; set to miss grandfather’s memorial service
- Monarch’s grandson won’t attend Prince Philip’s memorial service in Britain because of security dispute; will attend Invictus Games in Netherlands soon
- Prince Harry has only twice returned to the UK since he and wife, former Hollywood actress Meghan Markle, quit royal life and moved to North America
Prince Harry was accused Saturday of snubbing Queen Elizabeth after announcing he will miss her late husband’s memorial service, amid a legal dispute over his security protection in Britain.
While a spokesperson confirmed that Harry will skip the service in Westminster Abbey on March 29, he is reportedly set to attend the Invictus Games starting in the Netherlands just two weeks later.
After days of front-page coverage about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, The Sun newspaper carried the headline: “Harry’s Phil snub.”
Royal biographer Angela Levin accused the California-based Harry of “blackmail” regarding the service for his grandfather Prince Philip, after the UK government withdrew his royal protection detail.
The second son to heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles “has snubbed the Duke of Edinburgh (Philip) but really he is snubbing the queen”, Levin told UK media. Prince Philip, who was married to the queen for 73 years, died last April just weeks short of his 100th birthday.
His funeral was held under strict coronavirus restrictions, with just 30 mourners including Harry. The queen sat alone, respecting the government guidelines. Given the restricted nature of the funeral, this month’s memorial service is meant to offer an opportunity for a national celebration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s long life and service.