Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Prince Philip memorial: Westminster Abbey service ends after Queen attends with Prince Andrew

Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Andrew, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the service to remember the Duke of Edinburgh

Kate Ng
Tuesday 29 March 2022 15:45 EDT
Comments
Queen Elizabeth arrives on Andrew’s arm to Prince Philip’s memorial service

Your support helps us to tell the story

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

A memorial for the late Duke of Edinburgh has taken place at Westminster Abbey from 10.30am today, Tuesday 29 March.

The Service of Thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey and saw a 1,800-strong congregation gather to honour Prince Philip’s life.

The Queen arrived at the service accompanied by the Duke of York, who also walked her down the aisle in the abbey to her seat. He then took his own seat in the front row of the congregation.

The service came after the 95-year-old head of state pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service earlier this month due to mobility issues, and has previously spoken about her struggle to move.

Earlier reports said the Queen was “determined” to be at the service. The Palace said she was actively involved in plans for the service, with many elements reflecting her wishes.

Follow our liveblog to get the latest updates on Philip’s memorial today.

Watch our livestream of Prince Philip’s memorial

Watch live as the Royal Family arrives at Prince Philip’s memorial service
Kate Ng29 March 2022 10:58

Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and other MPs arrive

MPs have begun arriving at Westminster Abbey for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial.

Prime minister Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and home secretary Priti Patel all arrived separately at the abbey.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip (AP)
Chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
Chancellor Rishi Sunak arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip (AP)
Home Secretary Priti Patel attends the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh
Home Secretary Priti Patel attends the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh (Getty Images)

Labour leader Keir Starmer is also in attendance, as well as Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip (AFP via Getty Images)
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon arrives to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip (AP)
Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:08

How did the Queen and Prince Philip meet?

As Her Majesty honours and remembers her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip , our Relationship Correspondent Olivia Petter reminds us how the royal couple met, and the journey their love story took them:

How Prince Philip and the Queen met: The story of a royal relationship

The couple got engaged 13 years after their first meeting, writes Olivia Petter

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:10

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have arrived at Westminster Abbey, the first senior members of the royal family to make an appearance at the memorial. Princess Anne has also arrived.

Earlier, Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, and husband Mike Tindall arrived at the abbey.

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:23

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at Westminster Abbey with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:25

Fanfare has begun to mark the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II.

Once inside Westminster Abbey, guests were escorted to their seats, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands smiling at members of the Abbey’s chapter, or governing body, standing by the great West Door, as they walked in.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children also smiled warmly at the welcoming clergy.

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:33

Queen arrives at Prince Philip’s memorial with Prince Andrew

The Queen has arrived at the service in Westminster Abbey, accompanied by the Duke of York.

Olivia Petter has the breaking story:

Queen attends Prince Philip’s memorial service in spite of recent health issues

Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier today that the Queen would be present

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:34

Prince Andrew makes first public appearance since sex case settlement

The Duke of York has walked the Queen down the aisle to her seat in Westminster Abbey, before taking a seat himself in the front row of the congregation.

This marks his first public appearance since he came to a settlement with Virginia Giuffre over a high-profile sex abuse case.

Olivia Petter reports:

Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:38

Here’s a glimpse at Her Majesty arriving at Westminster Abbey. Prince Andrew can be seen sitting beside her inside the vehicle:

(REUTERS)
Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:41

And here are photographs of other members of the royal family as they arrived ahead of the service:

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) and their children Prince George of Cambridge (L) and and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L), Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) and their children Prince George of Cambridge (L) and and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving (AFP via Getty Images)
Princess Beatrice of York (L) and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive
Princess Beatrice of York (L) and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive (AFP via Getty Images)
Princess Royal arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Princess Royal arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh (PA)
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh (Getty Images)
Zara, Mia and Mike Tindall arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Zara, Mia and Mike Tindall arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh (PA)
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and their children Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn (REUTERS)
Kate Ng29 March 2022 11:48

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in