Prince Philip memorial service to be held at special venue as Queen returns to Windsor Castle

The Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving will take place next month

Prince Philip memorial service to be held at special venue as Queen returns to Windsor Castle
(Image credit: Getty)

The Queen will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip next month, after passing her historic Platinum Jubilee on Sunday. 

  • The Queen will attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh next month, after returning to Windsor Castle from her Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Sandringham House on Sunday. 
  • Prince Philip's legacy will be commemorated in an invite-only ceremony on 29 March at a venue that was close to the late royal consort's heart. 
  • In other royal news, what is a Queen Consort as Camilla lands prestigious royal title.

The Queen has returned to Windsor Castle ahead of a special Thanksgiving service for her late husband, Prince Philip. 

Her Majesty was flown by helicopter to her Berkshire estate on Monday, 7 February, after spending the past few weeks at Sandringham House. The 95-year-old marked the 70th anniversary of her reign—a.k.a. her Platinum Jubilee 2022—at her Norfolk residence on Sunday, as well as the death of her father, King George VI. 

It's understood that the Queen is now hoping to attend a poignant event in honor of Prince Philip, who died aged 99 last April. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that a Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh will take place on Tuesday, 29 March at Westminster Abbey in London, nearly 12 months on from his death. 

The venue of the invite-only ceremony is of particular significance to both Her Majesty and the late Prince Consort. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall

(Image credit: Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

The couple married at Westminster Abbey in 1947 and went on to celebrate their Silver, Golden, and Diamond Wedding anniversaries at the royal church. Prince Philip was also deeply invested in the preservation of the iconic building, setting up a trust in 1973 to raise funds for its restoration. 

The guest list for the solemn event has yet to be confirmed, but it's expected to include family members, close friends, and representatives of organizations affiliated with the Duke. 

The Queen is now understood to be resuming her normal duties at Windsor Castle, after months of interruptions and setbacks. 

Queen

The Queen had an incredibly difficult 2021 

(Image credit: Getty)

The hardworking monarch survived an incredibly difficult 2021 marked by grief, family drama, and personal illness, and is reportedly determined to get back to business as usual. Weekly audiences with politicians, diplomats, and various other VIPs have since been jotted into her diary, suggesting the Head of State is more than ready for the upcoming year. 

As well as the Service of Thanksgiving, she will also be appearing at the Diplomatic Reception at Windsor Castle on 2 March and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on 14 March. The Palace has declared that they will confirm Her Majesty's attendance closer to the dates. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.