The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has confirmed he will not attend the national service of thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee after testing positive for Covid-19. The leader of the global Anglican communion expressed disappointment at being unable to participate in the event at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Welby revealed he was diagnosed with mild pneumonia on Thursday and developed coronavirus symptoms over the weekend. He has canceled all engagements for the week but emphasized his commitment to praying for the monarch and the nation. 'I will be praying for the queen and giving thanks for her extraordinary 70 years of service to us all,' he stated.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will deliver the sermon at the service instead. Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed whether the 96-year-old queen will attend. She has limited public appearances in recent months due to mobility issues and previously contracted Covid-19 in February.
Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to attend the event, according to their biographer Omid Scobie. The couple, who stepped down from royal duties in 2021, have visited the UK only once since relocating to North America.
