Prince Harry has been blasted for staying in California and “not bothering” to attend Prince Philip’s memorial at Westminster Abbey this morning – with the late Duke’s former Conservation Warden describing his absence as “pathetic”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stayed at their $14 million Montecito mansion while the rest of the royal family, including the Queen, gathered in London for the poignant event, despite recent health concerns.
Harry, who is due to travel to the Netherlands in two weeks to attend the Invictus Games, refused to travel over a dispute over his safety.
The 37-year-old Duke is pursuing a legal action against the Home Office after being told he would no longer receive the “same level” of personal safety security if he visited from the US, despite offering to pay for it himself.
However, his apology was branded “pathetic” by Richard Griffin, who served as royal protection officer for Prince Philip for 14 years.
He said: “Prince Philip was her grandfather so obviously William received a great education from him and will learn by example from him. I just hope Harry gets some of those things on his mind.
‘It [Harry not being here] was a big disappointment for everyone. People talked about it. Certainly people around me, where I was, were saying that he should have been here.
“All this nonsense about not being able to get protection was a pathetic excuse for me. He should have been here to honor his grandfather.
“At the end of the day if he was that worried about safety he could have stayed with his brother and father who have wonderful safety and he would have been more than safe.”
Other royal observers also criticized Harry for being the only senior royal to miss the Prince Philip tribute, with GMB presenter Richard Madeley asking: “What is he playing on?”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Global Citizen Live in New York on September 25, 2021. They were the only senior royals to miss today’s service
Richard Griffin with the Queen while on duty as Royal Protection Officer. He served Prince Philip in this role for 14 years
Royal expert Angela Levin tweeted: “Heartwarming to see the great-grandchildren at Prince Philip’s Thanksgiving service. Loads of royals and hundreds of those associated with his charities. No one will forget or forgive anyone who has not felt safe.’
Fans took to Twitter to criticize the Duke of Sussex. One wrote: “I always defend Prince Harry no matter what but now he can kiss my fat ass like royalty. He’s far too important to be at his grandfather’s memorial.”
Another said: “It’s embarrassing that Prince Harry refused to attend but this is the same guy who devastated his family on global television while his grandfather was in hospital critically ill.”
While a third commented: “Sorry but Prince Harry should be there, no question and no debate.
“He probably has ‘better things’ to do with his awful wife in the United States. A shame of epic proportions.«
Harry last returned to the UK eight months ago to unveil the statue of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, with his brother Prince William in London on July 1.
However, he plans to fly to The Hague, The Netherlands, in two weeks’ time to compete in the Invictus Games for injured military service that he is organizing.
The games will take place from April 16th to 22nd, which means that on the 21st, Harry would have the opportunity to visit his grandmother for her 96th birthday.
On March 11, a spokesman for the Duke confirmed he would not be returning to the UK for the service – but added that he hoped to be able to visit his grandmother soon.
In April 2021, Harry flew back from California without Meghan, who was heavily pregnant at the time, to attend Philip’s funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Prince Harry and Prince Philip at the Rugby World Cup in Twickenham on October 31, 2015
Harry sits alone at Philip’s funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021
Royal author Phil Dampier told MailOnline yesterday: “It is very sad that Harry and Meghan will not be at Prince Philip’s funeral and I think Harry may regret it one day.
“He has said he doesn’t feel safe without the security of Scotland Yard, but to me that sounds like an excuse not to return to the UK and shows the rift with his blood family is still dire.
“Harry was always very fond of his grandfather and was deeply honored to succeed him as Captain General of the Royal Marines, but unfortunately it didn’t last long.
“The couple attended a few Memorial Day events together and there was always a relationship between them as both served military personnel who had seen active duty.”
Mr Dampier said that Harry “loved” Philip’s sense of humor and praised him in interviews, adding that it made his absence “all the more puzzling and strange”.
He continued: “One gets the impression that he is still very hurt by what happened between him and his father and brother and I’m sure they feel the same, but a memorial to his beloved grandfather too miss is tragic.
“Harry flew over for his funeral and the unveiling of the Diana statue but has not returned since.
“He will be at the Invictus Games in The Hague but there must now be great doubt as to whether he will attend any of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“I’m sure the Queen is very upset that he isn’t coming tomorrow, but she realizes that she cannot get Harry to change his mind right now.”
The Queen shed a tear for Prince Philip at today’s extraordinary service to commemorate his remarkable life.
Her Majesty stood at Westminster Abbey, where she had personally ensured that her beloved husband’s last wishes were fulfilled after his Covid-stricken funeral left her alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so dearly.
The 95-year-old monarch used a cane as she was led to her seat by her disgraced son, the Duke of York, to give her “strength and permanence” to give Philip the farewell he wished for a service attended by the royal family and his relatives, friends and people who benefited from his charities.
The Queen today stood and shed a tear for her husband at an extraordinary service commemorating his life
Surrounded by her family, Her Majesty sings with the Duke of York also in the front row. Left to right, front row: Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Mountbatten – Windsor and Viscount Severn. (Second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, The Duchess of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, Mia Tindall, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall
Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. (Second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge during a Thanksgiving service for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Despite struggling with mobility issues, she got up to pray and sing hymns during a 40-minute service that her 73-year-old husband helped plan before his death last April. But Prince Andrew chose Prince Andrew to support her as she arrived and left the church, holding his elbow with one hand and a walking stick with the other.
The Queen had stood in tears as the congregation of 1,800 sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer before the bells of Westminster Abbey rang to mark the end of the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service.
After leaning on Andrew as she walked back from the church, the Queen appeared to grimace as she walked towards the car, which was hunched over with the Duke of York at her side, leading her to the Bentley.
She seemed to be holding onto her sticks tightly and seemed to be making a great effort to get to the vehicle, concentrating very much on each step. Once in the car, she appeared to be back to her normal, composed self as the car slowly pulled away. She waved to onlookers as she arrived and exited the service.