Members of the congregation sing hymns in Westminster Abbey during the thanksgiving service for the late Prince Philip
(Picture: REUTERS)The Duke of Sussex has been criticised by Prince Philip’s former protection officer over his failure to travel from California to attend his grandfather’s memorial at Westminster Abbey.
Harry failed to travel following a disagreement with the government over security protection.
He is pursuing a legal challenge against the Home Office after being told he would no longer be given the “same degree” of personal protective security as previously when visiting from the US.
However, his decision not to attend the memorial on Tuesday was criticised by Richard Griffin, who spent 14 years as a royal protection officer for Prince Philip.
He said: “Prince Philip was their grandfather so William has obviously had a great training from him and is going to learn examples from him. I just hope Harry gets some of these things in his mind.
“It [Harry not being here] was a big disappointment for everybody. People were talking about it. Certainly around where I was people were saying he should have been here.
“All this nonsense about how he couldn’t get protection, as far as I’m concerned that was a pathetic excuse. He should’ve been here to honour his grandfather.
“At the end of the day, if he was that worried about security, he could’ve stuck with his brother and father who have got wonderful security and he would have been more than safe.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remained at their $14million mansion in Montecito while the rest of the Royal Family, including the Queen despite recent health issues including her mobility, gathered in London.
Harry is due to travel to the Netherlands in two weeks to attend the Invictus Games.
Others also questioned why Harry was the only senior royal to miss the tribute to Prince Philip, with GMB presenter Richard Madeley asking: ‘What is he playing at?’
Royal expert Angela Levin tweeted: “Heart warming to see the great grandchildren at Prince Philip’s thanksgiving service. Plenty of royals, and hundred of those connected to his charities. No one will forget or forgive he who didn’t feel safe.”
The Invictus Games run from April 16 to 22, and is an event to raise money and awareness of the plight on injured service personnel and was set up by Harry, himself a former soldier.
On March 11, a spokesman for the duke confirmed that he would not return to the UK for the service but said that that he hopes to visit his grandmother soon.
