‘Very unusual’ that Prince William pulled out of memorial service
Royal consultants mentioned right this moment it ‘was unusual’ that Prince William pulled out of attending a memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece on the final minute for unspecified ‘private causes’.
Queen Camilla was as a substitute essentially the most senior member of the Royal Family in attendance – with Prince Andrew additionally having fun with a distinguished position as he led fellow royals on foot to the service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
No additional element was given on William’s absence, with royal sources saying his spouse the Princess of Wales is ‘doing properly’ at house as she continues to recuperate after her stomach surgical procedure final month.
William was final seen on the Baftas on February 18, whereas Kate has not been seen since Christmas at Sandringham.
King Charles III was additionally absent as his most cancers therapy continues.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams described the Prince of Wales’ cancellation as ‘very unusual’, particularly as a result of the inheritor to the throne was because of give a studying.
The final minute resolution resulted within the Greek royal household posting on-line an previous order of service containing his studying and a eulogy given by Lord Soames by which he spoke about how ‘very touched and proud’ King Constantine would have been that it had been given by his godson.
Prince William’s resolution to tug out of the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece was described as ‘unusual’ by royal consultants
Queen Camilla was as a substitute essentially the most senior member of the Royal Family in attendance – with Prince Andrew additionally having fun with a distinguished position
Guests attend a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle
King Charles III is seen being pushed to Clarence House in Westminster, central London, right this moment. He was additionally absent as his most cancers therapy continues
He advised MailOnline: ‘William’s non-appearance on the Memorial Service for his godfather King Constantine, the final king of Greece, owing to a private matter is definitely surprising. This can be an occasion that William can be extraordinarily unhappy to have been unable to attend.
‘King Charles was near King Constantine and his second cousin. Queen Camilla led the Royal Family. Princess Anne deputised for him on the King’s funeral in Greece final yr as he couldn’t attend owing to a previous dedication.
‘The late Queen famously met Camilla at a celebration given by Charles when Prince of Wales for King Constantine’s sixtieth Birthday which was symbolically a extremely essential second of their relationship and seen as giving her approval to it.’
Royal biographer Phil Dampier advised MailOnline that the transfer was ‘worrying’.
‘Constantine was his godfather and really near all of the royals, notably King Charles, and he would have wished William there as he did not attend,’ he mentioned.
‘William solely lives a stone’s throw away, so it’s extremely regarding.’
Mr Dampier praised Camilla, who he mentioned was doing a ‘incredible job in current weeks protecting the royal street present on the street’.
Kate will stay away from official royal engagements till after Easter following her surgical procedure.
As for Charles, he was at Windsor Castle earlier within the day however left earlier than the service started – with the reception afterwards hosted by Camilla. The King was later photographed waving whereas being pushed into Clarence House, his London residence.
Constantine was the godfather of William, who known as the Greek royal household to apologise. The Prince was because of learn from Revelation 21:1-7, a well-liked studying for funerals that begins ‘then I noticed a brand new heaven and a brand new earth’.
Meanwhile Andrew was current entrance and centre right this moment with Sarah, Duchess of York and his daughter Princesses Beatrice – alongside along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi – as a result of it was deemed a private household occasion.
It can be understood that the Duke of York was attending the service as a member of the British Royal Family and had been invited by the Greek Royal Family. Andrew’s different daughter Princess Eugenie was not in attendance.
In Charles’s absence from public duties, Camilla has turn out to be essentially the most senior royal performing engagements. Another royal supply mentioned there was no connection between William’s private matter and the King’s well being.
This yr has seen a sudden scarcity of frontline royals after Charles and Kate each went into hospital across the similar time final month.
The household’s well being woes have left William shouldering extra of the burden of public duties whereas on the similar time supporting Kate and serving to care for his or her three youngsters George, Charlotte and Louis.
Charles was admitted for surgical procedure for a benign prostate situation final month, however subsequently recognized with an unrelated most cancers. The monarch has withdrawn from public-facing duties whereas he undergoes therapy.
Kate underwent stomach surgical procedure on the similar time and is presently recuperating, following a two-week hospital keep.
Queen Camilla and Queen Anne Marie of Greece depart after the thanksgiving service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Queen Camilla attends a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle right this moment
Prince Andrew leads members of the Royal Family together with the Tindalls to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle right this moment
Queen Camilla leaves Windsor Castle after the service for King Constantine and heads to London to reunite with Charles
Guests attend a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle this morning
Queen Camilla departs the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Queen Camilla attends the thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Zara and Mike Tindall and the Princess Royal attend the service at Windsor Castle right this moment as they stroll to St George’s Chapel
Queen Camilla seems to wipe her eye at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment in the course of the thanksgiving service
Queen Camilla is greeted as she arrives at St George’s Chapel to attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Prince Andrew; Sarah, Duchess of York; and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
(left to proper) Princess Alexandra the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, Marina Ogilvy, Prince Andrew, the Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Gloucester at Windsor Castle right this moment
Prince Andrew with Sarah, Duchess of York arrive for the service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi depart after attending the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes (centre) and Queen Camilla (left) arrive collectively right this moment
(entrance row, left to proper) Princess Alexandra the Honourable Lady of Ogilvy, Marina Ogilvy, Prince Andrew, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Princess Royal and Queen Camilla at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York arrive for the thanksgiving service at Windsor right this moment
Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, left, and Felipe VI of Spain depart after attending the service in Windsor right this moment
Princess Michael of Kent (left) and Prince Michael of Kent attend the service right this moment
Guests attend a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at Windsor Castle right this moment
Queen Letizia of Spain departs the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
John Kerry and Lady Susan Hussey go away the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel right this moment
The order of service nonetheless has William’s title on it (highlighted in crimson by MailOnline), because it was produced earlier than he pulled out
FEBRUARY 18 — The Prince of Wales was final seen attending the Bafta Film Awards 2024 on the Royal Festival Hall in London
DECEMBER 25, 2023 — The Princess of Wales was final seen on Christmas Day final yr attending church at Sandringham
The British Crown was represented by Princess Anne, Charles’s sister, at Constantine II’s funeral in Greece final yr following his demise in January 2023.
Constantine was the final member of a century-long dynasty, and had reigned for simply three years when a military dictatorship seized management of the nation in 1967.
Nearly eight months after the junta seized energy, Constantine organised a army counter-coup that failed.
He fled to Rome with the remainder of the royal household and later to London, dwelling in Hampstead. The junta abolished the monarchy in 1973, and Greeks voted to not restore the royal household after the restoration of democracy in 1974.
Today, Andrew led members of the family together with the Princess Royal and Zara and Mike Tindall, who arrived on the chapel after being pushed to the fort quadrangle by coach.
He fled to Rome with the remainder of the royal household and later to London, dwelling in Hampstead. The junta abolished the monarchy in 1973, and Greeks voted to not restore the royal household after the restoration of democracy in 1974.
The closing member of the British royal household to reach was Camilla, who was pushed down from the fort to the fifteenth century chapel.
She was warmly greeted by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Rev Christopher Cocksworth, on the Galilee Porch.
Today’s service at St George’s Chapel was held in honour of the King’s shut good friend and second cousin Constantine II, the previous ruler and final king of Greece.
The King missed the service as he continues therapy for an undisclosed type of most cancers.
Charles, who has been staying at Windsor Castle, left the Berkshire residence in some unspecified time in the future this morning.
Dozens of overseas royals travelled to Windsor to attend the service however the King is just not anticipated to fulfill them privately.
Constantine’s eldest son Crown Prince Pavlos stepped in to offer the studying in William’s place.
Juan Carlos I and Felipe VI of Spain depart after attending the thanksgiving service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Zara and Mike Tindall and the Princess Royal attend the service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Princess Anne and Sarah, Duchess of York are among the many royal arrivals at WIndsor right this moment
(From left) Marina Ogilvy, Prince Andrew and the Duchess of Gloucester at Windsor right this moment
Lord Soames of Fletching leaves after attending the thanksgiving service for King Constantine in Windsor right this moment
Zara Tindall and Sir Jackie Stewart depart after attending the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle this afternoon
Princess Beatrice (left) and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on the service at Windsor Castle right this moment
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle right this moment
(From left) Princess Alexandra the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, Marina Ogilvy and Prince Andrew
Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Dowager Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg RE and Gustav, seventh Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, attend the thanksgiving service in Windsor right this moment
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall depart after attending a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine in Windsor right this moment
Prince Andrew drives to the service at Windsor Castle right this moment with Sarah, Duchess of York
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma (centre) and Zara Tindall at Windsor
(left to proper) Lord Cavendish of Furness, US local weather envoy John Kerry and Dame Norma Major at Windsor Castle right this moment
Queen Noor of Jordan is pictured in Windsor right this moment as she attends the service of thanksgiving
Zara Tindall attends a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at Windsor right this moment
(entrance row left to proper) Princess Theodora of Greece, Prince Philippos of Greece, Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Irene of Greece attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Nicholas Soames departs the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Guests attend a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at Windsor Castle right this moment
Mike Tindall departs after attending a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at Windsor Castle right this moment
Prince Andrew attends a thanksgiving service for the lifetime of King Constantine at Windsor right this moment
Carlos Morales, Prince Achileas-Andreas of Greece and Denmark, Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark and Princess Maria Olympia of Greece and Denmark depart the thanksgiving service right this moment
(L-R) Princess Theodora of Greece, Prince Philippos of Greece, Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Irene of Greece right this moment
Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York lead members of the royal household in Windsor right this moment
(entrance row left to proper) Princess Olympia of Greece, Prince Achilleas of Greece, Carlos Morales and Princess Tatiana of Greece joined by (second row left to proper) King Felipe of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Benedikte of Denmark at Windsor right this moment
Crown Princess Marie Chantal of Greece and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece at Windsor right this moment
(left to proper) Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece and Princess Alexia of Greece attend the service right this moment
Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain are greeted as they attend the service right this moment
Hugh Cavendish, Baron Cavendish of Furness and Grania Mary Caulfeild attend the service right this moment
The King was near his second cousin Constantine, who was a primary cousin as soon as eliminated and crusing companion of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Constantine died aged 82, many years after being toppled from the throne in a army coup.
The King has reportedly sought non secular recommendation from his good friend Archimandrite Ephraim, Abbot of the Greek Orthodox Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos.
Abbot Ephraim is alleged to have advised Greek media retailers: ‘Yes, he has been involved for the reason that analysis and I imagine he’ll overcome it. Charles has a non secular sophistication, a non secular life.’
Charles, 75, who was recognized with an undisclosed type of most cancers simply over a fortnight in the past, is just not finishing up public duties whereas he has therapy.
Constantine was a primary cousin as soon as eliminated and crusing companion of the late Duke of Edinburgh, and died on the age of 82 in January final yr, many years after being toppled from the throne in a army coup.
The King had an in depth friendship with Constantine, selecting him as a godfather for his son William, now the Prince of Wales.
John Kerry and Lady Susan Hussey go away the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel right this moment
Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor right this moment
Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia and Princess Catherine of Serbia at Windsor Castle right this moment
Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, left, and Felipe VI of Spain attend the service at Windsor Castle right this moment
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Thomas Hooper and Lady Alexandra Hooper arrive at St George’s Chapel right this moment for the thanksgiving service for King Constantine
Sir Jackie Stewart (centre) attends the thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle this morning
Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark and Matthew Jeremiah Kumar on the service right this moment
Spain’s Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, Infanta Cristina of Spain and Juan Valentin Urdangarin attend the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor right this moment
Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark and Carlos Morales Quintana attend the thanksgiving service in Windsor right this moment
Dax Miller and Alexandra von Furstenberg arrive at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle right this moment
Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor right this moment
Queen Noor of Jordan and Kyril of Bulgaria arriving on the service in Windsor right this moment
Members of the Greek Royal Family arrive to attend the thanksgiving service at Windsor right this moment
Sir Jackie Stewart attends a thanksgiving service for King Constantine at Windsor Castle right this moment
Guests attend the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel right this moment
Greece’s Crown Prince Pavlos and Greece’s Crown Princess Marie-Chantal arrive right this moment
Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark and Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark at Windsor
Guests attend the thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel right this moment
King Constantine attends church with Charles and Camilla at Sandringham in December 2007
King Constantine II and Queen Elizabeth II at Wellington College in Berkshire in October 2011
Prince William and Kate Middleton communicate to King Constantine at Windsor Castle in 2012
King Constantine (prime left) after Prince William’s affirmation in 1997 as considered one of his godparents
King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie, pictured with 4 of their youngsters in 2014
Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece (centre left) and Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark (centre proper) carry the coffin of King Constantine II throughout a burial at Tatoi in January 2023
King Charles met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace on February 21, with the pair seen smiling throughout their first face-to-face assembly for the reason that King’s most cancers analysis
The former king was additionally godfather to the daughter of Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent, Lady Gabriella Kingston.
Camilla and different members of the family can be joined by the late king’s widow Queen Anne-Marie, their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos and different members of the Greek royal household for the service within the nave of the fifteenth century chapel.
Charles was unable to attend Constantine’s funeral in Athens final yr due to commitments which included assembly the president of Cyprus. The Princess Royal represented him on the service.
Constantine, who died in an Athens hospital, acceded to the throne on the age of 23 in 1964.
The younger king, who had received Olympic gold in crusing, was initially massively common.
By the next yr he had squandered a lot of that assist together with his energetic involvement within the machinations that introduced down the popularly elected Centre Union authorities of prime minister George Papandreou.
The episode, nonetheless extensively recognized in Greece because the ‘apostasy’ or defection from the ruling get together of a number of politicians, destabilised the constitutional order and led to a army coup in 1967.
Constantine finally clashed with the army rulers and was pressured into exile.
The dictatorship abolished the monarchy in 1973 and a referendum after democracy was restored in 1974 dashed any hopes Constantine had of reigning once more.
He lived in exile for a few years in Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London, earlier than returning to his house nation in 2013.
