Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Attend Prince Philip’s Memorial Service with Children

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, were seen hand in hand with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as they arrived at the memorial service for Prince Philip.

The Duchess looked poised in a simple polka dot gown that she matched with exquisite silver droplet earrings.

Princess Charlotte, 6, donned a blue coat dress with a matching ribbon in her hair, while their eldest son, Prince George, 8, wore a crisp navy suit for the event.

The service was set to be a celebratory service of Thanksgiving and reflected on the Duke of Edinburgh's incredible life.

Prince Philip lived for nearly 100 years and spent more than seven decades contributing to charity and dedicating himself to his wife, the Queen, the nation and the Commonwealth.

Some elements of the service were especially chosen by the Queen, who managed to attend despite weeks of uncertainty.

Catherine and Prince Philip enjoyed a good relationship, with Prince William saying he was thankful that Catherine had so many years to get to know his grandfather.

The memorial was the couple's first public appearance since they landed back in Britain from their eight-day Caribbean tour on Sunday morning.

Last week, William and Catherine travelled to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, where they faced significant backlash on an official tour.

Although they received warm welcomes from many locals, they also encountered mounting tensions in the Caribbean nations, where William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, remains head of state.

William reflected on the future governance of the Caribbean nations in his statement on Saturday, saying, “I know that this tour has brought into even more sharper focus questions about the past and the future.

In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon.”

Now, William and Catherine return to take part in the memorial ceremony of his late grandfather, which will celebrate the life and contributions of Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, aged 99.

The service is a direct contrast to the somber funeral for the Duke that took place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, 11 months ago.

Only 30 people were allowed to be in attendance in April 2021, where Her Majesty 95 sat alone.

This year, Prince Philip's extended European family from the Greek, Danish and German branches have been able to travel across to the UK.

Buckingham Palace released a statement detailing what the service would entail.

They said the Thanksgiving memorial would, “…recognize the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the armed forces.”

The service will pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to public life and steadfast support for over 700 charitable organizations, with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life.

The statement added, “…it comes as the Queen was uncertain over her attendance in the last few weeks due to her ongoing health difficulties.

Following a back sprain and recent bout of COVID, the monarch has been taking it easy as per her doctor's orders.”

As a result, the Queen's attendance at the memorial marks her first public engagement since February 5, while most of the royal family have been able to support her in person.

Sadly, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie 2 and Lilibet 9 months, weren't able to travel to the UK for the event.

In the announcement released by his team, the Duke of Sussex revealed he was hopeful he will be able to see the Queen soon.

George and Charlotte were joined by their cousins, Savannah and Isla Phillips, the children of Peter Phillips and Maya Tindall, who accompanied her parents Zara and Mike Tindall.

The occasion was a time to reflect on the life of Prince Philip, who had made an immeasurable contribution to charity and public life.

The service was a reminder of how the Duke of Edinburgh had dedicated himself to his wife, the Queen, the nation and the Commonwealth.

The Queen's attendance at the event marked her first public engagement in months, following health difficulties.

The royal family, including William and Catherine, were able to support her in person.

In conclusion, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the memorial service for Prince Philip with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.