Why the Queen is unlikely to attend her close friend's funeral
The Queen's close friend, Ivor Herbert, died aged 96 last week


The Queen's close friend has passed away, but's it's unlikely she'll attend the funeral service.
- The Queen's close friend, Ivor Herbert, has passed away—but it's unlikely she'll attend his funeral.
- The devastating loss comes just a few weeks after the death of Her Majesty's longstanding female friends, the Duchess of Grafton and Lady Farnham.
- In other royal news, Princess Anne's engagement rings BOTH broke royal protocol.
It was hoped that the New Year would be a fresh start for the Queen after a tumultuous twelve months, but it looks like 2022 has already brought more pain to the grieving widow's doorstep.
It's no secret that Her Majesty suffered a string of hardships throughout 2021, including ongoing health issues, an alleged Royal Family rift, and, perhaps most tragically, the death of her husband, Prince Philip.
To make matters worse, the 95-year-old monarch has had to contend with this emotional turmoil in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic—meaning she hasn't been able to see her loved ones for some much-needed support and company. The Queen even canceled Christmas at Sandringham House amid concerns over rising Omicron rates, marking her second year in a row to miss the royals' traditional festivities.
Her Majesty has now been hit by another blow, with her close friend, Ivor Herbert, passing away on 5 January.
The devastating loss comes just a few weeks after the Queen suffered heartbreaking grief over the death of her two close friends, the Duchess of Grafton and Lady Farnham.
The Queen's friend, the Duchess of Grafton, died late last year
Herbert, a successful racing journalist and horse trainer, was a longstanding chum of the Head of State and her daughter, Princess Anne. The 96-year-old shared the mother-daughter duo's passion for equestrianism, and even co-wrote the Princess Royal's 1991 autobiography, Riding Through My Life. He also visited the Queen's Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle on multiple occasions, where he most likely enjoyed a spot of horseriding himself.
However, despite their history, it's unlikely that Her Majesty will attend Herbert's funeral.
Why is the Queen unlikely to attend her friend's funeral?
While you'd be forgiven for assuming that the Queen will miss Herbert's funeral due to Covid-19 concerns, the bold decision far predates the global pandemic.
Her Majesty traditionally does not attend funerals of non-family members, often choosing to send a representative to pay respects on her behalf instead. While exceptions to this rule have been made in the past—the monarch was present at the funerals of former Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher—it has long been observed by the royal matriarch.
The Queen attends Margaret Thatcher's funeral in 2013
It's believed that the Queen chooses to avoid the poignant events for three reasons, and all of them are fairly reasonable.
Firstly, her presence at the funeral would warrant a huge amount of security, which could potentially disrupt the service. Her iconic status would also likely stir up a bit of a frenzy, potentially distracting attention from the deceased and their family. Lastly, her decision to attend a funeral could detract from her reputation as an impartial figure—especially if the person who has died was a political figure.
Her Majesty did, however, attend the funeral of her friend, Annette Wilkin, in May 2019. The 72-year-old, who had worked as the Queen's housekeeper since 1974, was reportedly so close with the monarch that she was even gifted one of her Corgis.
It's said that the Head of State was left 'deeply upset' by the loss—so much so that she decided to break royal protocol and pay her respects in person.
woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.

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.
-
The 15 best lightweight foundations for radiant skin all winter long
Our beauty team selects the best lightweight foundations for every skin type and budget
By Fiona McKim Published
-
The expert products you *need* to keep your eye makeup fresh and impressive for your Christmas party
We've tried the best eyeshadow primers out there to see which deliver on staying power, lid-perfecting and shadow intensity
By Jess Beech Published
-
Prince Philip’s royal tradition Princess Anne chose to uphold with her children - but none of her brothers did!
Prince Philip’s royal tradition was something his sons chose not to continue with their children but Princess Anne's kids enjoyed it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The sweet tradition Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their cousins might continue this year
The young royals could carry on a tradition that goes back to Prince Philip this summer
By Jack Slater Published
-
We love Queen Elizabeth II's sassy response to a rather rude remark reportedly made by Prince Philip
The Queen was known for her quick wit
By Robyn Morris Published
-
How George could follow in Charles's footsteps with special honor for little brother Prince Louis when he is King
Prince George could follow in King Charles's footsteps and give his brother a special honor
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
August Brooksbank looks just like Prince Harry in latest sweet snap shared by Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie posted a sweet picture of her son August
By Robyn Morris Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were 'hoping' Buckingham Palace would announce Archie and Lilibet's new titles before they did
Harry and Meghan were reportedly hoping that the Palace would 'jump the gun' says royal expert
By Robyn Morris Published
-
Prince Philip ‘often unrecognized’ using under-the-radar method of getting to royal engagements
Prince Philip was 'often unrecognized' as he made his way to engagements in London thanks to his surprising choice of transportation
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The big coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced thanks to Prince Philip - but King Charles never will
There's a coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced but King Charles was never destined to enjoy it at his own ceremony
By Emma Shacklock Published