Although Prince Philip, 97, joined the royal family for Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace last week, he decided not to participate in the Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene, a church on the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
This is the first year we haven't seen the Duke of Edinburgh lead the annual walk (FYI, the Queen arrived by car as she usually does). There was speculation that Philip might meet the rest of the royal family inside the service where Prince George, 5, and Princess Charlotte, 3, are waiting for their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the rest of the royal family. But now it's being reported that he's not there at all.
According to Buckingham Palace, there's no cause for alarm, and he's just spending the holiday privately with the family. However, it's still a bit unusual for him to be missing such a big royal event. Prince Charles, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince William were all spotted on the walk in without him.
Royal reporter Rebecca English explained via Twitter, "The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, is not at church today. BP tell me there is no cause for concern and no illness. He’s retired from public life and will be spending the day privately with his family."
The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, is not at church today. BP tell me there is no cause for concern and no illness. He’s retired from public life and will be spending the day privately with his family.December 25, 2018
Fans began speculating about the Duke's Sandringham attendance when he didn't arrive with the Queen by train last Thursday as he has done in previous years. He retired early last year and in April he also had extensive hip surgery, which forced him to cancel several appearances including Easter service with the royal family and Prince Louis' christening. He did, however, attend his granddaughter Princess Eugenie's wedding in October.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
-
Celine Dion Addresses That Awkward Taylor Swift Moment at the GrammysIt all happened when Dion presented the Album of the Year award to Swift at February's ceremony.
-
These 35 Elegant Finds Are Somehow Under $150Make it make sense.
-
Rebel Wilson Claims Unnamed Male Member of the British Royal Family Invited Her to a Party with Drugs, Orgies, and a Medieval ThemeThe royal, who she calls “the Windsor,” was “like, fifteenth or twentieth in line to the British throne.”
-
Royals "May Have No Choice But to Hit Back" at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle After Second Netflix Installment, Royal Editor SaysTechnically, they already responded to a disclaimer in Volume 1.
-
The Royal Family Could Have Given Biographer Permission to Reveal Queen's Alleged Cancer Diagnosis, To Avoid "Breaking News" in Harry's BookA plausible fan theory.
-
Ashley Tisdale Was Thankful for Family, Friends and Hilary Duff This ThanksgivingDisney Channel 4 lyf!
-
Kate Middleton Becoming Princess of Wales Would Be a "Bittersweet Moment" for Prince William, Source SaysIt's likely she will inherit Princess Diana's title.
-
Prince William and Kate May to Move to Windsor for the Queen’s HealthHaving her great-grandkids there will be “invigorating," says a royal expert.
-
The 15 Best Celebrity Halloween Costumes of 2021From Kendall Jenner to Saweetie, celebrities got create with the Halloween costumes in 2021 as in-person parties returned.
-
Prince William Called Out Billionaires' "Space Race" Amid Climate CrisisThey need to check their priorities.
-
Prince Louis’s Surprising First Words Were Baking ThemedKate Middleton has a lot of cookbooks at home, apparently!
