Prince William

Constantine was William's godfather. He was due to speak at the ,memorial. Just imagining the negative comments if this had been the other brother pulling out of something. What's that word? Oh yes "duty".

Latterly, theirs was such a sad story you couldn't help but feel sorry for them

Even though documentary evidence shows that the Duke of Windsor collaborated with the Nazis during WW2?

Agree Jaberwok

Perhaps supporting the King during his treatment. Meeting with Oncologist? Normally the Queen would do that, but for her to pull out of the memorial service would have set alarm bells ringing regarding the Kings health. Perhaps easier for William to do it? Calendergirl, I was interested to read about the D of Windsors grave. Latterly, theirs was such a sad story you couldn't help but feel sorry for them. It's nice to know that the late Queen did visit the Duke when he was dying and that she allowed the burial at Frogmore which had for years been refused.

He is like the rest of us, he may have had an off day, tummy troubles, feeling sick etc. etc. it is his business and no one else's. I know they are the Royal family but what they have been going through since last year would make anyone take a day off.

I read elsewhere that PW was driving driving off in the opposite direction so not a case of gastro-enteritis.

Andrew has never been found guilty of anything so although you may dislike him he has a right to attend a family event.

I really like Prince William and believe he is very popular but- I really cannot understand why he took so much time off work whilst Kate was in hospital and for a while after. Yes he has three children but they go to school and they have nannies, housekeepers etc. I appreciate that as a loving husband and father( I think ) he wants to be around but surely he could work and fit in home things too. Most ordinary people manage with far less support.
As for this recent absence at the memorial service, the palace advisers and spokesmen don’t seem to be reading the room. Most of us are concerned so why not say that Will was unwell if he was ? No need for further detail.

I wondered if Prince William pulled out because he was told of the death of Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella, son in law of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, died at the age of 45.

I hope his wife is not poorly again

Exactly Annie. Causing intense embarrassment is one thing, slagging off one's family for 'fame' and fortune is something else entirely.

He may be an embarrassment to his family merlotgtran but he wont be seen as a Judas.

Jaberwok

You're right, the D and D of Windsor are not in the vault but under a tree in the grounds of Frogmore. Allegedly the Duchess wished to be buried under said tree, then blossom would fall onto her grave as no one would ever leave flowers. I fear she was right. Oh dear, so very sad.

Oh, that IS sad.

In the Emily Maitlis interview Andrew did not talk of or criticise his family.

Smileless2012

Well at least he's not constantly bleating about how hard done by he is Callistemon and slagging off his family to make money.

He's probably more welcomed by his family than his nephew.

Did you not see the Emily Maitlis interview, Smileless??

The Queen wouldn’t have stripped PA of his HRH and all privileges if he hadn’t caused the RF intense embarrassment.

He did more than bleat!

Well at least he's not constantly bleating about how hard done by he is Callistemon and slagging off his family to make money.

He's probably more welcomed by his family than his nephew.

Thanks Grannynannywanny.

Jaberwok. I read a biography about the Duchess Of Windsor, can’t recall the author, but there were photos of the graves and she (the author) was given permission to place flowers on the duchess’s grave.

Judging someone at a private memorial service

I've no time for Andrew.

However, it really is up to his family whether or not he is invited to family events.

Anniebach

So much criticism of Andrew , he attended a private memorial
service , Sky news desk horrified, the Palace should have stopped it

There seems to be daggers out for Andrew whatever he does, is he supposed to wear sackcloth and ashes forever?
He only attends personal family events really and isn’t doing any harm.

So very sad

You're right, the D and D of Windsor are not in the vault but under a tree in the grounds of Frogmore. Allegedly the Duchess wished to be buried under said tree, then blossom would fall onto her grave as no one would ever leave flowers. I fear she was right. Oh dear, so very sad.

Calendargirl

Where was Sarah, Duchess Of York, sitting at the service?

I studied the picture of the family group in the pews, but couldn’t spot her. She must have been sitting well back. Not pushing in.

She was in the second row behind Princess Anne’s husband.

Being pedantic, the Duke and Duchess Of Windsor are not in the family vault, as such, they are buried at Frogmore.

Still a ‘royal’ burial though.

Where was Sarah, Duchess Of York, sitting at the service?

I studied the picture of the family group in the pews, but couldn’t spot her. She must have been sitting well back. Not pushing in.

It’s been said he does lot of horse riding, saddle sore ?