Prince William ‘takes dig’ at Prince Harry in statement ahead of Philip memorial

Following the conclusion of his and his wife Kate’s eight-day Caribbean royal visit, the Duke of Cambridge issued an extraordinary remark regarding the future governance of Commonwealth members. It comes after a series of demonstrations disrupted the tour.

In a final statement, he claimed the journey had brought “questions about the past and the future” into clearer perspective, before adding, “Catherine and I are devoted to service.” That is not instructing people what to do in our opinion. It’s about helping and supporting them in any way they see fit, using the platform we’ve been given.”

According to royal writer Angela Levin, William’s remark about “not directing people what to do” was a “dig” at his brother, who has actively advocated for a variety of issues after stepping down from royal responsibilities.

“I believe he’s right,” the author remarked on Sky News of William’s statements, “I think it worked very well to articulate what he felt without instructing people what to do – which I thought was also a shot at his brother.”

It comes as the Queen, 95, says she is “determined” to attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving ceremony at Westminster Abbey today.

“She looks much, much better, and it’s really essential for her to appear,” Ms Levin said of the monarch’s scheduled attendance. And I believe we’ve been informed she will; she hasn’t stated she’ll leave it to the very last minute, and I think it would be devastating for her not to be able to get there.”