Major Royal misses Remembrance service at the Cenotaph due to health problems

12 November 2023 , 12:17

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The Duke has been a working member of the Royal Family since he retired from the British Army in 1976 (Image: Getty Images)

The Duke of Kent, 88, missed today's Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and will stay at home due to "episodic mobility problems." His equerry, Captain George Hopkins of the Scots Guards, lay a wreath on his behalf today.

Prince Edward also missed the Festival of Remembrance last night at the Royal Albert Hall, which was attended by senior royals.

The Duke has been a working member of the Royal Family since he retired from the British Army in 1976.

He was the late Queen's first cousin, as son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary, and the younger brother to King George VI, Queen Elizabeth's father.

The Duke of Kent, 88, will miss today's Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and will stay at home due to "episodic mobility problems" (Getty Images)

He served in the Armed Forces for 21 years and still holds a number of senior appointments and regularly visits his regiments.

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The term "episodic mobility problems" was used to describe the late Queen Elizabeth's declining health in her final years, after she had to skip out on a number of royal events, such as the State Opening of Parliament, due to the ongoing health issues.

(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

In 2021, Buckingham Palace announced the 95-year-old monarch underwent “preliminary investigations” after cancelling a planned trip to Northern Ireland, after being previously pictured on two occasions using a walking stick.

A Palace spokesperson said: "Following medical advice to rest for a few days, The Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits."

Zesha Saleem