The Queen chose to be accompanied to Prince Philip's memorial service by Prince Andrew despite there being disquiet among the royals, a royal author has claimed.
The Queen has signalled her support for the Duke of York by arriving with her disgraced son for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service which paid tribute to a “remarkable man”.
Andrew provided a steady arm for the Queen as she walked into Westminster Abbey to remember the life of her husband, a few weeks after reaching a multimillion-pound out-of-court settlement in a civil sexual assault case.
The presence of Andrew was a talking point for many, but royal author Robert Jobson said it would have been the Queen's decision.
Richard Pohle/The Times
He told Dan Wootton: "The reality is whatever the decision was it was a conscious decision.
"There had been some disquiet among the family but she was insistent.
Queen Elizabeth II during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture date: Tuesday March 29, 2022.
Richard Pohle/The Times
"He was the one she wanted to be with her and it was her decision.
"It was a dangerous decision and the one she wanted."
The only member of Philip's close family to miss the ceremony was Prince Harry, who confirmed earlier himself and his wife Meghan Markle would not be returning to the UK.
Mr Jobson added that Harry will regret this decision for the rest of his life.
He also said: "Meghan was fleeting in and out and barely knows anyone in the family but Prince Harry had one of the closest relationships with his grandfather as they were both servicemen.
"He will undoubtedly regret that decision, when your grandfather has been a great figure like the Duke of Edinburgh it's sad."
