Buckingham Palace – the Queen's former residence – is reportedly planning a 'military-style' operation when it comes to how Her Majesty will arrive at Prince Philip's memorial service, which is due to go ahead at the end of the month. In recent months, the Queen's health has been under the spotlight, following a brief stay in hospital, a positive COVID-19 test and doctor's orders to take it easy. As such, last week she dropped out of the Commonwealth Day service for the first time in ten years, and now concerns over her mobility issues are impacting her attendance at the upcoming memorial service.
According to The Sun, palace aides "are not happy with her walking around 100 yards", and measures are being put into place to keep her out of sight from paparazzi, following speculation that she may be using a wheelchair. "Some days she can walk around easily. Other days she cannot. It varies from day to day," a source told the newspaper. "The Queen has told her staff that she doesn’t want to use a wheelchair but they can give her assistance."
The insider went on, "She can get out of the car in private with her walking stick and there are efforts being made to keep photographers away. But if she needs the wheelchair, then that must be done behind screens or once she is in the side entrance."
As well as keeping the Queen out of view from paparazzi, the source pointed out that "help and consideration from broadcasters will also be sought and required, stressing that: "It needs to be as simple as possible and out of the public eye."
Other royal experts have pointed out that the logistics of the memorial service may be used as preparation for the Queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations. "This could be a dress rehearsal for everything at the Platinum Jubilee," Majesty Magazine's Ingrid Seward suggested to The Sun. "It is a headache for her staff as it would be difficult for anyone of her age who suffers mobility problems. It would be a painful process for her."
Prince Philip's memorial service is due to go ahead on 29 March, with royals from across the world expected to attend following last year's slimmed-down funeral that was in adherence with COVID-19 guidelines at the time. One person who will not be attending, however, is Prince Harry, who has made it clear as of late that he has concerns over his and his family's safety in the UK.
