The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will not attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service next Monday, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Sophie is set to travel to New York, making her unavailable for the key royal event.
The couple's absence comes as other senior royals, including King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales, are confirmed to attend the service at Westminster Abbey.
Last year's service saw notable absences, with both King Charles and Princess Kate missing the event following their cancer diagnoses.
Duchess of Edinburgh set to leave UK as Kate and William step up at major event
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The absence of the Edinburghs is particularly notable as they are considered key members of the working Royal Family.
Queen Camilla will join King Charles at the service, creating a significant public family reunion.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will also be in attendance, marking an important return for Princess Kate following her cancer treatment last year.
Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will complete the royal contingent at Westminster Abbey.
Duchess of Edinburgh has emerged as a very popular royalPAThe event represents a notable gathering of senior royals following a challenging period for the family.
Over 700 school children and Commonwealth Games Athletes, including Sir Chris Hoy and Shanice Beckford-Norton, will also be attending the service.
Monday's service coincides with Prince Edward's 61st birthday, which may explain the couple's absence from the Commonwealth Day event.
The Duke of Edinburgh will be celebrating his birthday as his wife undertakes duties in New York.
The Queen led the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in 2024
PARoyal watchers have noted the timing, with the couple prioritising separate commitments on this significant date.
The Edinburghs have been reliable attendees at royal events since taking on their titles in March 2023.
Their absence leaves a notable gap in the royal lineup for one of the monarchy's most important annual ceremonies.
This year's Commonwealth Day theme is "Together We Thrive", celebrating the "enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family".
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The royals all attending the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 GettyThe theme highlights the importance of fostering strong communities that support and empower their members.
Special musical performances will feature an array of talented musicians, including the Masai Cultural Arts team and Britain's Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists Braimah and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason.
Also performing are Errollyn Wallen, the first Master of The King's Music, and Samoan soprano Aivale Cole.
Joan Armatrading CBE will perform an arrangement of "Love and Affection" during the service.
