Prince Edward's diary clash meant the Duchess of Edinburgh had to attend the funeral of the Duchess of Kent alone on Tuesday afternoon.
The Duke of Edinburgh is currently in Papua New Guinea on an important solo tour before travelling on to Japan, where the Duchess will later join him.
During his visit, Prince Edward attended a dawn flag-raising ceremony and a State Dinner to mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia.
On behalf of the King, he also presented new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment and awarded the 50th Independence Anniversary King’s Medals, which recognise significant contributions to the country.
Inside Prince Edward's diary clash as Duchess of Edinburgh attends royal funeral alone
|GETTY
Prince Edward was not the only royal unable to attend today's funeral.
Queen Camilla was also forced to cancel her appearance.
In a statement confirming that the Queen is recovering from acute sinusitis, a Buckingham Palace spokesman told GB News: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.
"Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.”
Prince Edward is currently visiting Papua New Guinea
|GETTY
Her illness has raised questions about whether she will be able to attend all elements of tomorrow's State Visit.
Following the funeral service, the Duchess of Kent’s coffin was taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor, which will be her final resting place.
The Royal Burial Ground has been the chosen resting place for members of the Royal Family since its consecration in 1928 and lies a short distance from Windsor Castle.
As a private cemetery, located just south of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Mausoleum, it offers a quiet setting where the Duchess’s family can visit in peace.
The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the funeral without Prince Edward | REUTERSLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Kate and the Duchess of Edinburgh photographed beside each other at the funeral
|REUTERS
Several members of the wider Royal Family, including Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina, are buried there.
Senior royals present at today's funeral included King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, made a surprise joint appearance.
Finally, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence joined the royal contingent at Westminster Abbey.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Sarah Ferguson pictured at the funeral
|PA
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