I think 'protocol' is an excellent explanation as to why he couldn't participate. Protocol and tradition are integral parts of these memorials. He's not royal, he's basically a private citizen who's related to QEII by marriage.
I understand where you're coming from, but Anne's husband is a member of the royal family. Be that he is largely considered in a collateral capacity, though he does on occasion appear in listings. Perhaps for future reference I'll refer to him as a member of
Her Majesty's immediate family so as to avoid confusion for those who may be reading.
In any case, we are
not talking of the public at large who well observe this occasion of remembrance throughout Britain and the Commonwealth in a less publicized, though very meaningful way.
And should have I misrepresented my viewpoint, then I'd gladly re-affirm my understanding and respect for protocol as a whole. Though be it at times with a natural curiosity to query an observance that can appear to me as being rather nonsensical in light of ones sensible understanding.
Evidently protocol has a big part to play within the structures of monarchy, on that we all agree. But, unlike his sister in-laws, Timothy devoted his career to the military and so in my
personal opinion, has every right as a serviceman and as a member of Her Majesty's immediate family to lay a wreath beside his wife who, in her honourific appointment, does so accordingly.
We don't have to agree as these are afterall just the opinions of very small fish in a very large pond.
And the Vice Admiral is no doubt content
(?) to remain a prop next to other senior family members with whom he shares the royal balcony.
An astute statement, Madame Royale, and well put.
