The British royal family is preparing to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II this week, with a series of official engagements planned around April 21. However, a prominent royal expert has claimed that certain members of the extended family, particularly Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, have been deliberately excluded from these events.
Official Engagements for Working Royals Only
The commemorative events, which include the founding of a new charity, an exhibition of the late Queen's fashion, and a reception at Buckingham Palace, are considered official royal engagements. As such, attendance is expected to be limited primarily to working members of the royal family. Senior royals confirmed to participate include the King and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Expert Claims of Deliberate Exclusion
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has asserted that the decision not to organize a service or function involving Queen Elizabeth II's extended family is "unfortunately" due to concerns about certain members potentially diverting attention from the late monarch. He specifically pointed to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, stating they are "being snubbed as attention on this anniversary must be on one person."
Fitzwilliams highlighted the contrast with previous royal commemorations, noting that for Prince Philip's 100th birthday, all grandchildren—including non-working members—participated in a documentary honoring the late Duke of Edinburgh. Similarly, a program marking the late Queen's milestone featured only one grandchild, Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne.
Controversial Family Members Excluded
The royal expert explained that invitations could not be extended to several controversial figures within the family. Prince Andrew, who has faced significant disgrace following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent legal issues, was explicitly mentioned as someone who could not be included. His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were also deemed unsuitable due to their parents' connections to Epstein and their absence from recent family events like the Easter service.
Furthermore, Fitzwilliams noted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could not be invited because their behavior reportedly made the late Queen's final years difficult, and their presence would likely create a media circus. This exclusion has unfortunately meant that other conscientious family members, such as Peter and Zara Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Earl of Wessex, will also miss the commemorations.
Commemorative Events and Legacy
Despite these exclusions, the planned events serve as what Fitzwilliams described as "an excellent substitute" for a more inclusive gathering. The week-long celebrations will feature multiple significant moments. The King and Queen will visit a new exhibition titled "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style" at The King's Gallery, showcasing the late monarch's wardrobe. The Princess Royal will officially open The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in London's Regent's Park.
Additionally, members of the monarchy will visit the British Museum to view a scale model of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial, designed by architect Lord Foster. This memorial will include a "family of gardens" through St James's Park with meandering paths and a new translucent, glass unity bridge. The Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday will conclude the celebrations, with guests including some of the UK's oldest citizens celebrating their own 100th birthdays on April 21, to whom the King will personally present centenary cards.
Charities and Organisations Honoured
Charities and organizations closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II have also been invited to participate in the commemorations. These include Cancer Research UK, the Jockey Club, and the Army Benevolent Fund, reflecting the late Queen's lifelong patronage and support for various causes.
King Charles has reportedly prepared a speech for the occasion, focusing on commemorating his mother's 70-year reign and highlighting her enduring legacy and dedicated service to the nation and Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away peacefully at Balmoral on September 8, 2022, at age 96, remains the nation's longest-reigning monarch. From a woman who was never originally destined to be sovereign, she earned widespread respect through her unwavering commitment to duty.
Details regarding the specific engagements of the Prince and Princess of Wales during the centenary week are yet to be confirmed, adding an element of anticipation to the already significant commemorations.
