THE QUEEN is “unlikely” to meet Lilibet now after Prince Harry’s decision to miss Philip’s memorial service, a royal expert said.
Harry, 37, confirmed today that he won’t be coming back to Britain for his late grandfather’s thanksgiving service this month.
It comes after Harry’s fierce row and legal case over security – as he demanded his own protection officers in the UK.
The Queen’s beloved husband Prince Philip passed away on April 9 last year at the age of 99.
A thanksgiving ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey on March 29 – and will likely see large numbers of the royal family attending.
But it’s now been confirmed that the Duke’s grandson, Prince Harry, won’t be leaving his Californian home to come to the anniversary event.
And this means the likelihood of Lilibet meeting her namesake Queen Elizabeth is now slim, an expert said.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam told The Celeb Report Online: ‘’I think this was expected because of the issue with security, obviously, he would have wanted to come if he could.
“I think it’s a great pity, what this means is it regrettable the rift will remain unhealed.”
Speaking about whether the Queen will ever meet Lilibet, Mr Fitzwilliam added: “It’s increasingly unlikely.
“If they don’t bring Lili over, then obviously that won’t happen. It’s all something that’s clearly not going to be resolved foreseeable.
“And it doesn’t seem like they’re going to come over.”
The Duke, who says he feels “unsafe” in the UK, claims he will come see the Queen “as soon as possible”.
Referencing Harry’s nod to the Queen that he’ll hopefully see Her Majesty soon, the expert added: He said he wasn’t coming over, he ‘hoped to see the queen soon.’
“I can only assume he expects to win his court case. He made an affectionate comment to the Queen personally. He must mean he expects to win the case.
“Whether he does win the case or not is a completely different matter.”
Last month, Harry launched his High Court fight over security, insisting he wants to bring his children Archie and Lilibet to the UK but he “does not feel safe” under the current security arrangements.
He was told in court his demands to be allowed to pay for 24-hour armed protection when he visits here from the US were unreasonable because British police are not “guns for hire”.
Becoming the first member of the Royal Family to sue the Government, the Duke of Sussex, claimed in London’s High Court that he should be given taxpayer-funded armed guards.
Papers filed by his lawyers called the decision to remove his security after Megxit two years ago “unlawful”.
Harry’s legal team stated that he wishes to return to the UK “to see family and friends”.
They added: “Most of all, this is and always will be his home.”
Harry, 37, is suing over the decision not to grant him police protection for himself and his family while in Britain — which he has offered to pay for.
The court heard Harry claimed he made the payment offer in January 2020 but the Home Office say it was only made last September.
