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
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K."We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TVBelieve it or not.
-
Tyler Perry Makes Rare Comments About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's "Beautiful Family""They love each other... I just want the best for them."
-
Prince Philip Received a Heartbreaking Letter From His Mother Just Before She DiedPrincess Alice spent the final two years of her life at Buckingham Palace.
-
Princess Anne Narrowly Avoided Breaking Royal Protocol at the State Banquet For QatarKing Charles' sister quickly corrected herself following the faux pas.
-
Why Kate Middleton Won't Inherit Princess Diana's Coveted Wedding TiaraMany publications have claimed that Princess Charlotte will inherit her late grandmother's tiara.
-
This Royal Just Shared the Sweetest Detail about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's Christmas Tradition"Of course" they joined in, the royal said.
-
The $20 Million Item Princess Kate Inherited From Princess Diana's Jewelry CollectionDiana once wore the piece of jewelry, which features huge diamonds and emeralds, as a headband.
-
Princess Kate Pays Tribute to Young Photographer Liz Hatton: Meeting Her Was "An Honor""We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away."
-
Royal Photographer Reveals the Touching Sacrifice Prince Philip Made for Queen Elizabeth in His 90sThe couple would have celebrated their 77th anniversary on Nov. 20.
