Queen 'unlikely' to meet Lilibet as Harry says he won't return to UK for memorial

The Queen is "unlikely" to ever meet her great-granddaughter Lilibet, who is named after Her Majesty, as Prince Harry announces his decision to miss Prince Philip's memorial service.

Harry confirmed he will not be returning to the UK for the service later this month over concerns regarding safety and security.

Prince Philip passed away on April 9 last year at the age of 99 with the service set to take place on March 29 at Westminster Abbey with many members of the royal family likely to attend.

Now, an expert has said that if Harry doesn't attend the service and bring his family to the UK it's unlikely the Queen will ever meet Lilibet.

RELATED

• Prince Harry won't return to UK for Philip memorial after security 'row' 

• Prince William blasted for 'tone-deaf' comments about Ukraine invasion 

• Prince Harry divides opinion with 'shock' Texas rodeo appearance

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun 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 of whether the Queen will ever meet Lilibet, he 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 in the foreseeable future. And it doesn’t seem like they’re going to come over."

The Duke of Sussex says he feels "unsafe" in the UK, but said he will come and see the Queen "as soon as possible".

Harry launched a High Court fight over security last month, saying he wishes to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK, but "does not feel safe" under the current security arrangements.

He was told his request to be allowed to pay for 24-hour armed protection when visiting the UK from the US was unreasonable because British police aren't "guns for hire".

According to papers filed by his lawyers, Harry believes the decision to remove his security after stepping down as a senior royal two years ago was "unlawful".

His legal team stated that he wished to return to the UK "to see family and friends", adding, "Most of all, this is and always will be his home."

Queen given just 15 minutes notice before Harry's announcement

The Queen was only given 15 minutes notice before Harry's announcement that he will not be returning for Philip's memorial service went public.

Harry's announcement read: The Duke will not be returning to the UK in late March, but hopes to visit his grandmother as soon as possible."

Angela Levin, Harry's biographer told The Sun that the Duke is really "snubbing the Queen", describing his no-show as a form of "blackmail".

She continued, "He has got this all wrong. If he comes over for a royal event he gets police protection. What they won’t do is, if he goes out with his friends he gets security.

"He’ll probably use this same excuse to try to get out of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations."

While Harry won't be attending the memorial, it's unclear whether he'll attend the Invictus Games in Holland in April.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.