On Tuesday morning, after considerable suspense, Queen Elizabeth attended her late husband Prince Philip’s funeral ceremony at Westminster Abbey. She came on the arm of her son, Prince Andrew, in an unexpected gesture.

Six weeks after settling a sexual assault case with his accuser Virginia Giuffre, the Queen drove by automobile from Windsor with her disgraced second son.

“It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son,” says royal commentator Robert Jobson. “As she did when she made a statement about Camilla being Queen’s Consort, many people will now accept the Queen’s word and judgment.”
Jobson, the author of Prince Philip’s Century, says there was disquiet among senior members of the family, “but she insisted.”

“It does make some sense that he accompany her because he doesn’t have a partner. A settlement has been paid but he’s guilty of nothing in the eyes of the law,” he adds. “She has faith in Andrew. Even if he disappears from public life, he’s been able to pay tribute to his father, who after all, was very proud of his service in the Royal Navy, where he fought in the Falkland Islands conflict.”

It was unclear if the queen, who is 95 years old, would attend the Service of Thanksgiving in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April at the age of 99. The king had wanted to attend, according to a royal source, but a decision will be made on the day.

Her attendance on Tuesday marks the monarch’s first appearance outside of a royal home since mid-October, when she paid a visit to Cardiff, Wales.

On Tuesday, special arrangements were made for the Queen’s visit. She walked by a side entrance with one arm around Andrew and the other on a walking cane, rather than going through the main door of Westminster Abbey, which would have required traversing the length of the aisle.

Despite recent mobility concerns, the Queen stood throughout the service to pray and sing anthems.

Due to COVID-19 infection in February and other health issues, Queen Elizabeth had to postpone many events. She’s also been complaining about mobility concerns and has been walking with a cane.

The Queen appeared on Andrew’s arm as the first hymn, “To Be a Pilgrim,” was sung, taking a cautious but steady pace to her seat. She left Andrew’s side and took a seat close to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as they approached the front row. Andrew was in the front row, across the aisle from his younger brother, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

The ceremony will be Prince Andrew’s first public appearance since his court dispute with Giuffre was concluded. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as their spouses, Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, were also present.
At their great-funeral, grandfathers Prince George and Princess Charlotte made an unexpected appearance. They both arrived at Westminster Abbey at the same time with Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Prince Harry has already stated that he will not be attending his grandfather’s funeral in the United Kingdom.
The monarch canceled her presence at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Day ceremony earlier this month. The Queen’s absence was not due to sickness, according to PEOPLE. The monarch’s comfort was discussed when it came to her travel arrangements and attendance at the service.
On Tuesday, though, she looked to be in good condition as she walked out for an emotional memorial ceremony for her 73-year-old husband. After resigning from his official duties in August 2017, Philip, who would have been 100 on June 10, 2021, has been troubled by health concerns in recent years.

Representatives from the numerous charities and organisations with whom Prince Philip works were able to pay homage to him during the Westminster Abbey event. On Monday evening, Buckingham Palace announced the ceremony’s specifics, which included moving musical choices and flower arrangements inspired by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s wedding day.