Prince Harry has faced criticism for 'snubbing the Queen' after confirming he will not attend the memorial service for his grandfather, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey on 29 March. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex cited security concerns, stating he 'does not feel safe' returning to the UK under current arrangements, despite offering to pay for protection himself.
Royal biographer Angela Levin condemned the decision, describing Harry's behaviour as akin to 'a child stamping his feet' and accusing him of using the security issue as leverage. She warned that the move effectively snubs the Queen, who is still grieving the loss of her husband of 73 years, and was given only 15 minutes' notice of Harry's announcement.
Harry plans to travel to the Netherlands in mid-April for the Invictus Games, a sporting event for military veterans he founded in 2014. This has fuelled claims that his absence from the memorial is a deliberate slight, particularly as he has launched legal action over taxpayer-funded security in the UK.
The Duke briefly visited the UK in July 2021 for the unveiling of a statue of his mother, Princess Diana. His spokesperson added that he hopes 'to visit the Queen as soon as possible', but the decision not to attend the memorial is likely to further strain family relations.
