The fact that the prince would not attend a funeral service for his grandfather Prince Philip, who died almost a year ago in London at the end of March, was a “snub” to the Queen, quoted the newspaper “The Sun” as saying the Royals expert Angela Levin. Apparently, Harry wanted to increase the pressure on the royal family in the dispute over police protection for himself and his wife Meghan.
Funeral service without Prince Harry
A spokesman for Harry confirmed on Friday that the prince, who now lives in California with his family, will not attend his grandfather’s funeral service on March 29 at London’s Westminster Abbey. The spokesman did not give a reason. However, Harry hopes to be able to visit his grandmother, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, “soon”.
The excitement over Harry’s cancellation is particularly high in the UK as the prince is reportedly due in the Netherlands just two weeks later to take part in the Invictus Games for war-disabled soldiers.
Dispute over police protection
Levin accused Harry of trying to “blackmail” the royal family by not attending Philip’s funeral. Harry is currently taking legal action against the UK’s decision to stop giving him and his wife Meghan police protection when visiting the UK. The Home Office rejected Harry’s suggestion that he pay for the costs of such operations himself.