This was perhaps her most difficult decision as Queen in all 70 years of reign.
The fact that the service was to be held on a day so rich in personal meaning, such as Philip’s memorial service, only added complexity.
The question itself was a relatively simple one: should she take Prince Andrew’s arm for the short walk from her car to her seat in Westminster Abbey’s South Lantern?
And if not Andrew’s whose? Were they to make a simple choice? The consequences could reverberate beyond the boundaries of an ancient Abbey.
That the Duke of York should have every right to pay homage to his father at yesterday’s service was never in doubt. We understand that it was difficult for senior family members to see how closely he was to the action.
Sitting with his daughters in the largely anonymous second tier of family members was one thing, striding centre stage as his mother’s liegeman was potentially perilous.
Here, remember was a man who had been banished from royal life, stripped of his honorary military titles and other patronages, and forced to relinquish the style ‘His Royal Highness’ in any official capacity.
Exiled, in effect, after reportedly paying £12million to settle his sex-abuse lawsuit.
Right, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and Prince Andrew arrive at Westminster Abbey, London, for a Service of Thanksgiving in Remembrance for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
And as the Mail reports today, his proximity to the Queen at yesterday’s thanksgiving has provoked dismay at the Palace.
Officials worry about any change in the policy of no royal duties return for the Duke. One insider spoke of a fear of ‘mission creep’ – that having taken so prominent a position at the memorial, Andrew might start appearing at other national events such as June’s Jubilee celebrations.
So what should we make of the prince’s enhanced position yesterday? He did indeed appear to be uncomfortable, his jaw tightened and his eyes flickering as he slows to keep up with the Queen’s unhurried pace.
It appeared that the Queen was making an extraordinary gesture of maternal kindness. This showed her unwavering love and belief in her son.
A public endorsement like this would suggest she was reminding people that he hadn’t admitted to any wrongdoing, and that, despite all the disgusting Jeffrey Epstein story, he wasn’t guilty of anything other than gross misjudgment.
Maybe this was because she put motherhood before monarchy. Over time, she was criticized for prioritizing her Crown duties over her family. This was her most powerful reminder that motherhood is more important than service.
This does pose a risk for the royals, however: misunderstandings. Andrew’s appearance alongside his mother comes only weeks after the Queen publicly expressed her wishes that the Duchess of Cornwall should in time be made Queen Consort.
The crowning of Camilla signifies the Queen’s will. Andrew could also be accepted by the people in the same fashion.
Many wonder whether this is a way to Andrew’s redemption. If, at her request, people can accept the idea of Camilla as Queen, was this the monarch’s way of asking people to show a measure of forgiveness for her son?
Although the event was quite beautiful, there were some unease.
After watching the duke accompany his mother, Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor for north-west England, bitingly commented: ‘I’m all for rehabilitation but it starts with facing justice, accepting responsibility and working to rebuild victims’ confidence. None of that is present here so far.’
Perhaps, but this fails to take into account the special place Andrew has in the Queen’s life and heart. She and Prince Philip are both immensely proud of their long Royal Navy service, and in particular his courage in the Falklands War, 40 years ago. He flew helicopter-decoy missions to lure Argentine missiles away.
Andrew has been one of the strongest sons. During the long months of Covid bubbles and the decline and death of Philip, Andrew was his mother’s most consistent supporter.
Right, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II gets into her car after she attended a Service of Thanksgiving in London for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
He was always present at Windsor Castle when Princess Anne’s health declined. It is not far from where he used to live, the Royal Lodge. His attentiveness was appreciated by his siblings and Princess Anne for months. He also enjoyed the fact that he lived close to Windsor Castle, which allowed him to spend more time with his mother.
There was one other significant factor in yesterday’s royal tableau. Andrew would not have been there to accompany the queen. She wanted someone close by her. The choices for her were Prince Charles or Prince William. But all three princes had their own families at the Abbey, while the divorced Andrew – in the absence of his ex-wife – was unaccompanied.
He was to sit with his two daughters Beatrice (and Eugenie) according to the order. His role might not have been known or planned.
Asides said that the Queen would be content with a member the Abbey clergy to take her to the seat. However, it’s not uncommon for the Queen to want the familiarity and support of her family when performing such a task.
What yesterday demonstrated above all was the Queen’s remarkable will. She refused to hide or use a wheelchair to attend the service. Andrew could be there if she wanted.