Prince Philip Missed This Year's Easter Service with the Royal Family

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last updated 26 August 2021

Just over a week ago, it was revealed that Prince Philip had been forced to cancel (opens in new tab) a rare public engagement as he was feeling unwell. And today, the Queen's husband was noticeably absent from the royal family's Easter celebration (opens in new tab).

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According to the Evening Standard (opens in new tab), Prince Philip has been "experiencing some trouble with his hip," which is why he has been forced to miss his recent royal engagements. The Queen's 96-year-old husband is usually active in public life, so his presence from the Easter church service is sorely missed.

Hello! (opens in new tab) previously reported that Prince Philip had been "expected to attend a ceremony at Windsor Castle... to formally hand over his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards to his son, Prince Andrew," but he canceled the appearance because of his health issues.

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Of course, Prince Philip officially stepped down from his public duties last summer, but is still known to attend public events with Queen Elizabeth II.

The Express reported that Prince Philip had been due to attend the Easter church service, along with members of his family including Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Express (opens in new tab) said, "According to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson the Duke of Edinburgh’s name was printed in the Order of Service 'weeks ago when it was hoped the Duke would be able to take part.'" Unfortunately, a spokesperson for the royal family said, "His Royal Highness has since decided not to attend."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also skipped (opens in new tab) this year's royal family Easter church service.

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Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.