Prince Philip canceled a scheduled appearance today at the annual Maundy Service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle due to a problem with his hip.
Philip, 96, had planned to attend the service with Queen Elizabeth at the same venue where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will hold their upcoming wedding.
The duke of Edinburgh's absence from the event appears to have been last-minute; his name had been printed in a program listing the attendees at the centuries-old event.
Today The Queen will attend the Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel Windsor. pic.twitter.com/PpaFuGlbSQ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2018
“The order of service was printed some weeks ago when it was hoped the duke would be able to take part," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said. "His royal highness has since decided not to attend."
Philip retired from royal duties last summer.
His condition is not thought to be serious: He was spotted driving on the Windsor Castle grounds on Wednesday, according to the U.K.’s Press Association.
However, Philip also withdrew last week from another planned appearance at Windsor Castle. He was expected to attend the event with his son, Prince Andrew, the duke of York, to mark Andrew's role as colonel of the Grenadier Guards, which he is taking over from Philip.
It is unclear whether Philip will attend the royal family's Easter service at Windsor Castle on Sunday.
Philip is currently expected to attend Harry and Markle's May 19 wedding at St. George's Chapel with other members of the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth attended today's Maundy Service as planned.
After the Maundy Service, The Queen stands on the steps of St. George’s Chapel alongside those who had taken part in the service, including children from schools in Slough and Maidenhead. pic.twitter.com/Q4Q3uriO6o
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2018
In a tradition that dates back to the 1660s, the queen distributes Maundy money each year to senior citizens in recognition of their work. The money, presented in a white pouch, is distributed by the monarch during the service.
Each recipient of special Maundy money from The Queen today is given two leather purses, one red and one white. pic.twitter.com/gwgRVhJ22o
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2018
Each year, HM offers 'alms' to senior citizens recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations, in recognition of their service to their Church and local Community.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2018
The dishes that the Maundy money is presented on dates back to the 1660s. pic.twitter.com/JUr9owp4h1
This year the Red Purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating four Generations of Royalty and a 50p coin commemorating the Representation of the People Act 1918, which reformed the electoral system in Great Britain and Ireland, giving some women the right to vote for the first time. pic.twitter.com/P5YzS2VGMQ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2018
