Duchess of Cornwall won’t attend Diana service

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall has decided against attending the upcoming Diana, Princess of Wales memorial service this Friday, 31st August 2007 at Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks in London.

In a statement, the Duchess of Cornwall said she wanted to support the Princes by attending the event but has decided “on reflection” that her attendance could “divert attention from the purpose of the occasion which is to focus on the life and service of Diana.”

The service will begin at midday on Friday 31st August and is expected to last for around an hour.

The service, conducted by Rev Patrick Irwin, will also include two prayers written by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Members of the royal family expected at the service include Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of dinburgh, the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry.

Invitations were handed out to around 30 other members of the royal family, and 500 other guests including members of the Spencer family, the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and celebrities such as Sir Elton John.

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