The Queen was praised for staying the course as royals joined dignitaries at a thanksgiving service for the Platinum Jubilee at St Paul's Cathedral. Referring to her love of horse racing, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: “She is still in the saddle, even though she was not able to attend.”
As Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in St Paul's Churchyard, they received a huge cheer from the crowd, after keeping a low profile. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined for their first royal event together since leaving the UK two years ago. Meanwhile, the Queen, 96, watched the service from Windsor Castle.
Prince Andrew was forced to withdraw from attending the thanksgiving service after a positive Covid test.
Her Majesty’s decision to miss the service came after she experienced a level of discomfort during Thursday's events. It was later announced she would not attend todays’ Epsom Derby - and would instead watch the event on television.
NHS workers, honours recipients, public servants and charity representatives were among those at the service - part of four days of events marking the Queen's unprecedented 70-year reign. The sermon was given by the Archbishop of York after Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Referencing the Queen's love of horse racing and the Epsom Derby - which will mark the Jubilee - Mr Cottrell praised the monarch's endurance over her reign.
He said: "Your Majesty, we're sorry you're not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come.
"So, thank you for staying the course. Thank you for continuing to be faithful to the pledges you made 70 years ago. Thank you for showing us how service and faithfulness matter. People of all faiths and none can learn from this."
