Prince Philip, 98, spends most of his retirement in Norfolk on the Queen’s Sandringham estate. The elderly Duke of Edinburgh enjoys a quiet life away from the hubbub of Buckingham Palace and rarely attends royal occasions these days. He has, however, in recent years made a special effort for royal weddings and seems keen not to miss the joyous occasions.

The last royal event Prince Philip made it to was Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding at St George’s Chapel last May.

Princess Beatrice, 31, will tie the knot with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace on May 29 and many expect her grandfather Prince Philip to be there.

However, despite the Duke’s recent form at royal weddings he still may have to skip the occasion.

Whether or not the Duke of Edinburgh makes the event largely hinges on his health.

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Shortly before Christmas Prince Philip was admitted to a London hospital for what Buckingham Palace said was scheduled treatment of a pre-existing health condition.

The Duke stayed in hospital for a few days before being released on Christmas eve.

While the palace have been keen to play down fears for the Duke’s wellbeing he has been plagued by reports of poor health for months.

Whether or not Philip attends his granddaughter Beatrice’s big day, will depend on him being well.

One royal commentator has claimed the Duke is almost certain to attend if his health permits.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “The Duke of Edinburgh, who will be 99 in June, will undoubtedly attend the wedding if his health permits as he did Eugenie’s, despite having retired.”

Princess Beatrice’s wedding will be a more private affair than recent royal weddings and will not be broadcast on national television.

The ceremony will be held in the Chapel Royal which seats up to 150 guests.

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While a palace aide told Express.co.uk “the cost of the wedding will be met privately”, there are fears its central London location could result in taxpayers footing a large security bill.

If crowds descend on the capital in the hope of catching a glimpse of the wedding then it could become a matter of public security, which would be dealt with by Metropolitan Police.

A Buckingham Palace statement confirming Beatrice’s royal wedding date said: “The wedding of HRH Princess Beatrice of York and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will take place on Friday 29 May 2020.

“The couple became engaged in Italy in September 2019″

“Her Majesty The Queen has kindly given permission for the ceremony to take place at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

“The ceremony will be followed by a private reception, given by The Queen, in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.”

The scandal surrounding Princess Beatrice’s father Prince Andrew and his links to deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein threatens to overshadow the occasion.

The Duke of York stepped back from official duties last year after giving a misjudged interview about his friendship with sex offender Epstein.

Prince Andrew will walk Beatrice down the aisle despite the ongoing scandal.

Unlike previous royal weddings, the ceremony will be private and won’t be broadcast live on television.

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