Prince Philip memorial: Prince Andrew accompanies Queen to Duke of Edinburgh memorial service and has front row seat

The Duke of York is taking centre stage at the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial as he accompanies the Queen to the poignant occasion.

Andrew travelled with his mother by car from Windsor Castle to Westminster Abbey.

The decision comes despite Andrew paying millions out of court earlier this month to settle a civil sexual assault case.

The move has been seen as a major signal of support from the monarch to her second son.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of York arrive at a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture date: Tuesday March 29, 2022.

The Queen’s state limousine arrived at Poets’ Yard entrance with Andrew sat beside her.

As they walked through the famous Poets’ Corner towards her seat in the abbey, 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.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of York arrive at a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture date: Tuesday March 29, 2022.

The duke, who stepped down from public life over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has a front row seat in the Abbey, sitting close to his other siblings.

The Queen was also 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.

Downing Street welcomed the Queen’s appearance at the Westminster Abbey memorial service.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Clearly it is welcome to see Her Majesty out today, continuing her incredible decades of service to the country.”