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The Queen and Prince Philip's much loved niece Sarah Chatto looked emotional as she arrived for her uncle's service of thanksgiving this morning. 

Sarah, the daughter of Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl Snowdon, enjoyed a particularly warm relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh and spent much time with him and the family growing up. 

The 56-year-old, who is married to Daniel Chatto, looked sombre in a navy blue dress, cardigan and string of pearls as she arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside members of the Royal Family.  

The important place Sarah held in Prince Philip's heart was reflected in the fact that she was one of just 30 mourners invited to the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April last year. 

Also in attendance is her brother David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl Snowdon, who was seated next to his daughter Margarita.

Lady Sarah, 56, wore a navy blue dress, cardigan and string of pearls as she arrived at Westminster Abbey

The Queen and Prince Philip's beloved niece looked happy to be joining family to remember the Duke of Edinburgh

Sarah Chatto's brother David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl Snowdon, who was seated next to his daughter Margarita

The Queen's niece Sarah Chatto arriving at Westminster Abbey with her husband Daniel Chatto 

Sarah Chatto's sons Samuel (left) and Arthur (right) joined their parents at the high profile event today

'Surrogate mother': The Queen has been a constant support to niece Sarah and nephew David Armstrong-Jones, pictured together at Princess Margaret's funeral

By his side: Lady Sarah Chatto with the Duke of Edinburgh at a service of thanksgiving for her father, Lord Snowdon, in 2017 

Sarah was accompanied by her husband, Daniel, and their sons, Arthur and Samuel. 

Samuel, 25, and Arthur, 23, are both stars on Instagram, where they boast thousands of fans each.  

Lady Sarah Chatto was born in 1964 — the last royal baby born at a palace rather than a hospital — within weeks of cousins Prince Edward, Lady Helen Windsor and James Ogilvy.

The Queen has been described as a 'surrogate mother' to the siblings and is particularly close to Lady Sarah, who is understood to remind Her Majesty of her late sister. 

One royal insider previously revealed: 'The Queen adores Sarah and seeks out her company as often as possible. She is her absolute favourite younger Royal.

'They are hugely at ease in each other's company. Much giggling can be heard when they are together. They share a sense of loyalty, fun, duty and the ridiculous.'

One acquaintance said: 'Sarah is very unassuming; shy and almost embarrassed with no grandeur at all. Take royal events — she'll be on the balcony, but she never pushes herself to the middle or the front, like some.' 

Westminster Abbey was packed today to celebrate the 99-year life of Prince Philip as Her Majesty battled mobility issues and fought off covid to be there to say goodbye to her husband after 73 years of marriage.

The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal were all dressed in dark green in a subtle tribute to Philip, whose livery colour was Edinburgh Green. 

The event, attended by most of the Duke of Edinburgh's family and many of Europe's most senior royals, is in the starkest of contrasts to his pared back funeral at Windsor last April when Her Majesty said goodbye to her strength and stay after 73 years of marriage. 

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrive at Westminster Abbey

The Cambridges arrived at the church hand in hand with their children Charlotte and George. Louis stayed at home

Charles shook hands with the clergy as they entered the church just before Midday

The Tindalls were the first senior British royals to arrive, holding one of their daughter Mia's hands

Peter Phillips attended the service with his children Savannah and Isla

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice file into the main church 

'A surrogate mother': The close relationship the Queen and Prince Philip shared with Princess Margaret's children 

The Queen and, formerly, Prince Philip, have been a constant support in Lady Sarah Chatto's life. 

When she was born her parents, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon, were the toast of swinging London, their Kensington Palace apartment — now the London home of William and Catherine — the scene of hedonistic parties. 

But the marriage, a rebound affair after Margaret was forbidden to marry divorced equerry Peter Townsend, was notoriously tempestuous. 

Fuelled by alcohol and affairs on both sides, their 18-year union was once described as a 16-year break-up.

At just 13, her parents' divorce was 'terribly upsetting' for Sarah. 

The decision to invite Lady Sarah and her husband Daniel (pictured at wedding) to Prince Philip's funeral was an indication of how highly they are regarded in the royal family, and is a tribute to the close relationship the Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed with Princess Margaret

As Margaret was granted custody, the children stayed in Kensington Palace. Sarah was sent to Francis Holland School in Chelsea, a smart all-girls' day school, followed by Bedales with her brother. 

The mixed boarding school in rural Hampshire — alma mater of actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Minnie Driver — was a fashionable, arty, bohemian choice.

It had no uniform and nurtured artistic expression above all else. It was what both parents wanted — and it ensured David and Sarah inherited a love of art.

This 'progressive' institution was the polar opposite to the starchiness of a royal upbringing.

One contemporary said that when Lady Sarah turned up 'she was practically in a velvet-collar coat and tweeds although everyone else was hanging out in their kickers'.

However it was quite possibly this school — with its warm, nurturing atmosphere — that made her the woman she is now.

Sarah had grown up knowing that her mother had little time or patience for babies and small children; despite Snowdon's reluctance, nannies and housemaids were in charge and the children were instructed never to wake their mother before 11am — a rule that was keenly enforced by Nanny Sumner. 

The Queen has been described as a 'surrogate mother' to the siblings and is particularly close to Lady Sarah, who is understood to remind Her Majesty of her late sister

David and Lady Sarah enjoyed a close relationship with the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and their children growing up - often joining the family on holiday - and remain so to this day

When Margaret gave her house on Mustique island in the Caribbean — Les Jolies Eaux — to David alone on his 27th birthday (he let it out and then sold it, preferring to buy an estate in Provence) it was said that Sarah was not consulted; nor did she profit from the sale.

Her father, however, doted on her and it is from him she is said to have inherited her 'immense charm'.

From her father she also inherited her artistic eye. A foundation course at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, followed by a printed textiles course at Middlesex Polytechnic, paved the way for her training at the Royal Academy Schools.

Her oil paintings today sell for thousands and she is Vice President of the Royal Drawing School. From her mother, she inherited a love of dance. While Margaret was Patron of the Royal Ballet School, Sarah is its Vice President.

Not that the young Sarah ever felt herself to be above her art school contemporaries.

She may have shared her 21st birthday with Prince Edward, Lady Helen Windsor and James Ogilvy at Windsor Castle, but she also included all of her friends from art school.

The Earl - David Armstrong-Jones (pictured) is known for his high-end furniture company (pictured) 

It was when she met Daniel Chatto whilst working as a wardrobe assistant on 'Heat and Dust', in which dashing actor Chatto had a small role, that her love life became serious.

The son of actor Tom Chatto, and theatrical agent Ros Chatto (who was the mistress of another theatrical agent, Robin Fox), Daniel appeared in around a dozen films and TV programmes, often period dramas based on the novels of W. Somerset Maugham or Charles Dickens.

He soon gave up his acting career, however, to focus on painting, a passion shared with Sarah.

Together he and Sarah set up home in Kensington whilst still unmarried — a fact that enraged Princess Margaret — where they still live in a small, pretty, Grade II listed terrace house. 

Pictured left to right, David Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Serena Armstrong-Jones, Countess of Snowdon, and Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, attend the Alexander Dundas's 18th birthday party hosted by Lord and Lady Dundas on December 16, 2017 in Londo

They also have a Georgian country farmhouse near Midhurst in Sussex, given to Sarah by her godfather, the late art-loving philanthropist Simon Sainsbury.

The informal country life of dogs, horses and annual sheepdog trials — which she judges — is the essence of Sarah, a royal who has never been lured by pomp and ceremony. 

Indeed her wedding to Chatto in July 1994 was such a short, simple affair that chauffeurs were caught by surprise: the Queen, Prince Philip and Diana had to wait at the City church of St Stephen's Walbrook after the service for their cars to come back. 

Her veil was anchored by the Snowdon Floral Tiara, created from brooches given to Princess Margaret by her husband, and the wedding portraits show the newlyweds flanked by the Queen and the Queen Mother. 

Although her childhood lacked the stability she has created for her own family — according to royal insiders, she found her mother's early indiscretions 'almost unbearable' — Sarah remained a loving, dutiful daughter until the end.

Her mother's death in 2002 — after a series of strokes and four years of suffering — saw her children by her side. 

Sarah, says a royal source, had been 'selfless and often left her own family overnight to drive to KP to care for her mother'.

Sarah arrived at the chapel by car while her brother David Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon, (pictured with Prince Philip) joined the procession of senior royals walking behind the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin

Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon and Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones attend the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel on October 12, 2018 in Windsor

Margaret's death also brought the Queen even closer to her only niece, in her new role as something of a surrogate mother. One, it appears, that endures to this day. 

Meanwhile David is honorary chairman for Europe, the Middle East, Russia and India of auctioneers Christie's. He was promoted to the role in 2015 from his former role of chairman of Christie's UK.

The Earl, also known by his professional name of David Linley, also produces luxury British accessories and has reportedly created the interiors for a number of exclusive central London homes. 

Linley was picked by Prince Charles, his first cousin, as number two in his The Prince's Foundation, a new merger of his charity commitments, in 2018 – an appointment which raised eyebrows as he was chosen ahead of the heir to the throne's sons William and Harry.

Last year a friend said: 'David is very, very close to the Queen and Prince Charles. He goes to Sandringham at Christmas and turns up at Balmoral in the summer.' 

Queen sheds a tear for beloved Philip: Emotional monarch wears green in tribute to late husband at Westminster Abbey memorial attended by Kate, Wills, Charles and Camilla... a year after sitting alone at his funeral at height of the pandemic 

The Queen shed a tear for Prince Philip at an extraordinary service in remembrance of his remarkable life of service to Britain and his wife today. 

Her Majesty stood in Westminster Abbey where she had personally ensured her beloved husband's final wishes were fulfilled after his covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much.

The 95-year-old monarch used a stick as she was walked to her seat by her disgraced son the Duke of York to give her 'strength and stay' Philip the final farewell he had wanted. The service was attended by the Royal Family and his relatives, friends and people who benefitted from his charities. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the only senior royals not there. 

Despite battling mobility problems, she stood to pray and sing anthems during a 40-minute service that her husband of 73 years had helped plan for before his death last April. But in a controversial decision she chose Prince Andrew to support her as she arrived and left the church, clutching his elbow with one hand and a walking stick with the other. 

The Queen had stood with tears in her eyes as the 1,800-strong congregation sang Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer before the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out to mark the end of the memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh. 

After she leant on Andrew as she walked back out of the church, the Queen appeared to grimace as she walked to the car hunched over with the Duke of York at her side guiding her towards the Bentley.

She appeared to be holding tightly to her stick and appeared to be making a great effort to get to the vehicle, concentrating very hard in taking each step. Once inside the car she appeared to be back to her normal composed self as the car slowly drove away. She waved to onlookers as she arrived and left the service.

The Queen and the packed abbey had listened as the Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Philip's intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family.

The Right Reverend David Conner described the duke as a 'remarkable man' who was committed to 'a host of down-to-earth enterprises'. He pointed out that the duke could be 'abrupt', and suggested that at times he could forget 'just how intimidating he could be'. 

Princess Beatrice was seen to give a small chuckle as the Dean remarked: 'He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.' But then appeared to break down in tears, covering her face with the order of service.

The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal were all dressed in dark green in a subtle tribute to Philip, whose livery colour was Edinburgh Green. A number of others throughout the congregation also wore the shade, including Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare who delivered a special tribute about the effect Philip's youth scheme had on her life.  

Flowers at today's service are a patriotic red, white and blue, at Her Majesty's request. They included dendrobium orchids, which also featured in the Queen's wedding bouquet, and eryngium - or sea holly - echoing the duke's career in the Royal Navy and lifelong affection for the sea. There were also multiple tributes to his intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family and his country. 

The Queen stood and shed a tear for her husband today at an extraordinary service in remembrance of his life

The Queen closed her eyes in prayer as she joined senior royals to pay tribute to Prince Philip at his memorial at Westminster Abbey. When she opened her eyes they appeared moist

Her Majesty stands to sing surrounded by her family with the Duke of York also on the front row.From left to right, front row: Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of York, The Earl of Wessex, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn. (Second row left to right) The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Isla Phillips, Savannah Phillips, Mia Tindall, Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall

Princess Beatrice was overwhelmed by the service. Stood behind the Queen she cried and covered her face with the order of service as her grandmother removed her glasses

Her Majesty walked with the help of a stick but stood without support sat next to Charles, Camilla, Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Across the aisle was Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew travelled with the Queen to Westminster Abbey and appeared to escort her to her seat before taking his own 

Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today's memorial service at Westminster Abbey 

Queen Elizabeth II is helped into her car by her son Prince Andrew, right, after attending a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip

She spoke to her son inside the car and waved to the crowds outside the service in London, which ended this afternoon

The Queen as she left Westminster Abbey in her Rolls-Royce today, wearing a regal purple and golden brooch

A sombre Prince Charles leaves the church with his wife Camilla, who also looked moved by the celebration of Prince Philip's life

Charles was seen wiping his eyes at the service where he could say goodbye to his father after a pared back funeral last year. Prince Andrew looked serious as he waited to leave with his mother

 Prince William rests a hand on the back of his son Prince George, at the end of the memorial service for Prince Philip

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left the Abbey with two of their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte

The Cambridges departing the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey

The Duchess of Cambridge smiled out of the window of her car as she left the Abbey with Prince William after the service

The Queen sits alone at Philip's pared-down funeral last April - in stark contrast to today's celebration. It was one of the defining photos of the pandemic, where many Britons were forced to mourn their loved ones in small ceremonies, sometimes alone

Her Majesty had arrived at the side door of the church, allowing her to walk a shorter distance from Poets' Corner to the front where she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She stood at various points in the service, despite her own admission recently that she is struggling to move. 

Westminster Abbey was completely packed today to celebrate the 99-year life of Prince Philip as Her Majesty battled mobility issues and fought off covid to be there to say goodbye to her husband after 73 years of marriage. 

The event, attended by most of the Duke of Edinburgh's family and many of Europe's most senior royals, is in the starkest of contrasts to his pared back funeral at Windsor last April when Her Majesty said goodbye to her strength and stay after 73 years of marriage. 

The Queen finally decided to attend today's service in Central London around two hours before but the coverage of the Service of Thanksgiving was dominated by her extraordinary decision to travel with her disgraced son Prince Andrew from Windsor Castle to Central London.   

Her Majesty was determined to be amongst the 1,800 guests despite the 95-year-old's mobility problems that have prevented her doing a major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months. The Tindalls were the first close family to arrive, followed Princess Anne, the Wessexes, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and then the Cambridges, who were with their children George and Charlotte. The Queen was the last to arrive with Andrew.

It was a move that royal watchers believe may have upset her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William – both instrumental in the decision to take away the Duke of York's 'HRH'.   

The Queen chose her second son to join her in the back of her royal car for the 22-mile journey and he was also given a front row in the church, right next to his other siblings at the service just weeks after he paid millions to one of Jeffrey Epstein's sex slaves, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused him of having sex with her three times when she was trafficked to London aged 17. 

The Queen's state limousine arrived at Poets' Yard entrance with Andrew sat beside her. As they walked through the famous section of the abbey towards her seat, in a small procession, the monarch held onto her son's elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right.

They walked at a slow but steady pace both looking ahead, and at the end of the aisle they separated - with Andrew giving a last glance to his mother as she turned right. After the first hymn, Charles, who was sat next to her mother, could be seen leaning over to speak to the Queen seated next to him - but it is not clear what was said. The Queen then delved into her black Launer handbag for her glasses to read the order of service. 

After the 40 minute service, Her Majesty was escorted out of the abbey by the Duke of York. As the monarch stopped to greet Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder Doyin Sonibare, Andrew stood back and at one point broke into a smile. 

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first to leave Westminster Abbey alongside the abbey's chapter.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed. All four royals waved at the crowd outside as they were driven away in black cars.

Despite her frailty, Queen Elizabeth II stands during a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey today

The congregation takes its place ahead of the service. The Queen made the final decision to attend this morning, hours before she was due to travel the 22 miles from Windsor Castle to Central London. She held Andrew's elbow

The royal family paying an emotional tribute to Prince Philip at today's service at Westminster Abbey

Her Majesty listens to the various eulogies to her husband at the Service of Remembrance held almost a year after his funeral

The Queen, 95, fought frailty to be in the church with her family at an event she had helped plan for her husband

The Queen stands for the first hymn at the service in remembrance of her beloved husband Prince Philip

Prince Andrew walked his mother up the aisle after she arrived via a side door rather than the main entrance to shorten the distance

The Queen has been 'actively involved' in plans for the service 'with many elements reflecting Her Majesty's wishes'

Prince Andrew was sat next to Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex during today's memorial service at Westminster Abbey 

The royals, led by the Queen despite her recent health issues, join the congregation in singing hymns during today's service

The royals ahead of the service: In the front row are The Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence. The Cambridges are in the second row while Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, along with their husbands, are among the royals in the third row

She left as she arrived, being supported by her son Andrew - reputedly her favourite

The Queen remained seated during the service with aides taking special measures to ensure her comfort after recent heath issues

Princess Charlotte and Prince George sit with the mother the Duchess of Cambridge during today's service at Westminster Abbey

Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by clergy as they arrived ahead of today's service of celebration for Prince Philip

A serious looking Prince William sits down next to his wife, George and Charlotte to say goodbye to his grandfather

The Queen sat beside Andrew, the royal who lost his HRH just weeks ago over his links to Epstein and civil case

Crowds piled outside Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to Prince Philip as the service in his memorial continued 

Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Service Of Thanksgiving For The Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey

Today the monarch ensured that her beloved husband's final wishes are fulfilled after his Covid-hit funeral left her sat alone without the rousing hymns and guests he loved so much. Her Majesty has been 'actively involved' in every element of his service of thanksgiving that will see Westminster Abbey packed to the rafters.

Even the smallest of touches have been overseen by the Queen, including the use of orchids that formed part of her 1947 wedding bouquet being used in small posies of flowers. 

Prince Philip's beloved Sea Cadets and young people who have taken his Duke of Edinburgh awards are centre stage at the service that will see the Abbey reverberate with the sound of hymns including Guide me, O thou great Redeemer. 

All Prince Philip's family chose to attend apart from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. On Prince Andrew's left is his brother the Earl of Wessex and Edward's family the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

Across an aisle on his right is the Princess Royal, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales and the Queen.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte also attended with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and be sat behind the Queen. Behind Andrew and Edward's family were Peter Phillips, and Zara and Mike Tindall and their daughters.

The Duke of Edinburgh's intellect, work ethic, sense of humour and devotion to his family were celebrated in an address by the Dean of Windsor.

The Right Reverend David Conner paid tribute to Philip as a 'remarkable man' who was committed to 'a host of down-to-earth enterprises'.

He pointed out that the duke could be 'abrupt' and suggested that at times he could forget 'just how intimidating he could be'.

Addressing the congregation in Westminster Abbey, Mr Conner said: 'He was practical, wanting to put flesh upon his dreams, and (acknowledging the limitations of living in this so-called 'real world') he devoted his astonishing intellectual and physical energy, his enormous capacity for sheer hard work, to a host of down-to-earth enterprises.

'These included the equipping of young people to face tomorrow's challenges, the encouragement of respect and care for the natural order, and his pioneering work in facilitating conversation between representatives of the different world faiths.

'Through his passionate commitment, he drew others to himself in admiration and respect and, in the case of those who lived and worked most closely to him, genuine love.'

Mr Conner added: 'He would hate to think that I should paint a picture of him as a 'plaster saint'; someone without the usual human foibles and failings.

'He was far too self-aware ever to be taken in by flattery. Of course, it must be said that his life bore the marks of sacrifice and service.

'Certainly, he could show great sympathy and kindness. There is no doubt that he had a delightfully engaging, and often self-deprecating, sense of humour.

'It is quite clear that his mind held together both speculation and common sense. Moreover, nobody would ever doubt his loyalty and deep devotion to our Queen and to their family.

'Yet, there were times when he could be abrupt; maybe, in robust conversation, forgetting just how intimidating he could be.

'A kind of natural reserve sometimes made him seem a little distant. He could be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy.

'On the other hand, we should not forget that he himself was sometimes wounded by being unfairly criticised or misunderstood.'

Concluding his address, the dean said: 'As we give thanks for the life of a remarkable man, perhaps our greatest tribute to him, most especially in these far too troubled times, will be for us to accept the challenge, implicit in his life, to rekindle in our hearts something of that call, and to pray (as I think he did) for the inspiration and the guidance to play our part, however small, in working for a kinder future.

Queen Elizabeth II is driven in to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey 

The Cambridges arrived at the church hand in hand with their children Charlotte and George. Louis stayed at home

The Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte arrive at today's service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip

Charles shook hands with the clergy as they entered the church just before Midday

Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today 

Princess Eugenie (left) and Princess Beatrice (right) pictured  arriving at a service of thanksgiving for late Prince Philip

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice arriving at the poignant Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip

Peter Phillips with Isla Phillips and Savannah Phillips (right) arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh

Timothy Laurence and Anne, Princess Royal, arriving ahead of the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip

Princess Royal arriving for a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh and greeting Duke of Edinburgh award recipients

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrive at Westminster Abbey

Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) today ahead of the service to remember Prince Philip

The Queen leaves Windsor Castle to travel to Westminster Abbey this morning, with her son Prince Andrew sat on her right

While the Queen's arrival at Westminster Abbey was mentioned in the order of service, a final decision on her attendance was only confirmed two hours before because of her frailty. 

The Princess Royal arrived at Westminster Abbey. Wearing a long green dress and hat, Anne arrived alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Peter Phillips' children Savannah and Isla were sitting next to their cousin Mia, daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. The girls were dressed in navy with their hair fixed back with headbands.

Once inside Westminster Abbey, guests were escorted to their seats, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands smiling at members of the Abbey's chapter, or governing body, standing by the great West Door, as they walked in. The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children also smiled warmly at the welcoming clergy. 

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and her daughter, Lady Louise, smiled and chatted to each other after taking their seats in the Abbey.  

The Duke's family ahead of the service: In the second row is Peter Philips with daughters Savannah and Isla. Next to them is Mia Tindall with parents Zara Philips and Mike Tindall. In the front row are Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex with children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn

The Cambridges arrived shortly after Prince Charles and Camilla ahead of today's memorial service for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey

Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey for the memorial service to Prince Philip today. She was joined by Prince William and her children George and Charlotte

The Tindalls were the first senior British royals to arrive, holding one of their daughter Mia's hands

Lady Louise Windsor arriving at the Westminster Abbey service for Prince Philip today. The Service will pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex attends the Thanksgiving service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey today

Peter Phillips attended the service with his children Savannah and Isla

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice file into the main church 

Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent attend the memorial service for the Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey

The Queen leaves Windsor Castle in a car this morning with her disgraced son Prince Andrew to travel to London 

Prince Andrew (left) leaves Windsor Castle with the Queen (right) this morning ahead of the service of thanksgiving for Philip

Lady Susan Hussey, the Queen's lady-in-waiting, arrives with her foot in a brace and on crutches at Westminster Abbey today 

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives at Westminster Abbey for the service this morning

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick (left) and Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart (right) arrive today

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right) arrive at Westminster Abbey this morning

Guests walk into Westminster Abbey and take their seats ahead of this morning's service to remember Prince Philip

Chancellor Rishi Sunak (left) and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (right) at Westminster Abbey today

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England (right), arrive this morning

Guests arrive for Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning

Guests arrive for Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey in London this morning

Members of the congregation queue at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service of thanksgiving for the life of Philip

Guests arrive to attend the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning

Earlier today, royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of Prince Philip's Century, told GB News: 'I think that Prince Andrew may play a more prominent role than we think earlier on. My understanding is that someone has to support the Queen and he may well be by her side. I think Charles will probably be with Camilla.'

Overnight, royal aides revealed the Queen has been 'actively involved' in plans for the service 'with many elements reflecting Her Majesty's wishes' as the order of service was unveiled at midnight.

It includes several elements the Duke had planned for his funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in April last year but which were forbidden by Covid restrictions at the time.

Among them is the involvement of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets, his expressed wish for the congregation to sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for clergy from the royal estates of Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part.

His funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor was limited to just 30 mourners in the midst of the pandemic and mass singing was banned, with the Queen sitting alone in a mask.

Around 1,800 guests are due at today's service, including British and European royalty, representatives of the many charities of which the duke was patron or president, Boris and Carrie Johnson, and Sir David Attenborough.

But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not returning from the US for the service.

While the Queen's arrival was mentioned in the order of service, it is understood that a final decision on her attendance was not made until first thing this morning. 

She has recently been forced to pull out of a string of engagements because of ill health and old age. She was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service this month because of concerns about her mobility and comfort.

Palace and Abbey aides are thought to have taken steps to ensure that the service is less taxing for the Queen.

Instead of arriving at the usual West Entrance to the Abbey, which would involve steps and a long walk down the Nave in front of the cameras, the Queen could be driven around the side of the building and enter away from public view via the 'Poet's Entrance'.

She would then have a far shorter walk down the South Transept to her seat. It is likely she would walk with the aid of a stick.

The service will gave thanks for the duke's dedication to family, nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.

One of the elements planned for the funeral which has now been included in the service will see nine Gold Award holders from The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, plus representatives from UK Cadet Force Associations, line entry routes into Westminster Abbey.

Philip, who died in April last year aged 99, launched the DofE Award in 1956 and was Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Cadet Force, a role he first took up in 1953.

A tenth DofE gold award holder, Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London, will give a tribute to His Royal Highness's legacy, recognising the impact of the Award on young people across the globe.

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, will conduct the service and describe the duke in the Bidding as 'a man of rare ability and distinction' who 'ever directed our attention away from himself.'

He will say: 'He put privilege to work and understood his rank as a spur to service. Working at pace, with so many claims on his attention, he encouraged us to focus, as he was focussed, on the things that matter.

'His was a discipline and character that seized opportunity and overcame obstruction and difficulty. We recall, with affection and respect, the sustained offering of a long life lived fully.'  

Royal fans watch out for guests at the service to remember the late Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning

Royal fans stand next to barriers at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

Guests begin to arrive for the service of thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey this morning

Television broadcasting staff gather outside Westminster Abbey this morning ahead of Prince Philip's memorial service

Royal fans stand next to barriers at Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

Royal superfan John Loughrey, from Stretham in Cambridgeshire, stands outside Westminster Abbey this morning

Another royal superfan stands outside Westminster Abbey ahead of the memorial service for Philip this morning

Police officers walk past Westminster Abbey this morning before the service for the late Duke of Edinburgh

Workers put up barriers outside Westminster Abbey today ahead of the service for Prince Philip

Royal fans wait outside Westminster Abbey this morning ahead of the service for the late Duke of Edinburgh

It was the duke's expressed wish that clergy from Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral - known as The Queen's domestic chaplains - played a part in his funeral service, but this was not possible due to the Covid restrictions.

Today the Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie Minister of Crathie Church, the regular place of worship of the British royal family when they are in residence at nearby Balmoral Castle, the Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere, the Rector of Sandringham, and the Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Chaplain to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, will offer prayers recognising Philip's energy, spirit of adventure and 'good stewardship of the environment'.

The service will also be attended by around 30 foreign royals, including Prince Albert of Monaco, Denmark's Queen Margrethe, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, and Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. 

Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat during the funeral of Prince Philip at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021

The Queen and Prince Philip revisit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20, 2007

The Queen and Philip were married in the Abbey in November 1947 and it holds many special memories.

Flowers at today's service will be red, white and blue. They will include dendrobium orchids, which also featured in the Queen's wedding bouquet, and eryngium - or sea holly - echoing the duke's career in the Royal Navy and lifelong affection for the sea.

The Queen attended the opening of the Welsh Parliament on October 14 last year. Since then she has conducted engagements at Windsor Castle, where she is now based, and visited Sandringham in February.