Queen Elizabeth Releases Personal Message On Her 95th Birthday
The Queen ushered in her birthday on a sad note. The reigning monarch turned 95 on Wednesday, a few days after the funeral of her husband, Prince Phillip, who passed away in early April. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were married for 73 years.
Despite the sadness surrounding her birthday, the Queen offered a personal birthday message to those who paid tribute to Prince Phillip. She also added that the support touched her and her family.
The Queen's birthday is often a celebration. However, despite the milestone, things were a little different this year. The official royal media accounts shared how the Queen would spend her birthday in the face of a pandemic and while in mourning.
The Queen's Personal Birthday Message To Well Wishers On Her Birthday
The Queen's statement on her birthday first relayed her gratitude for the good wishes on her birthday. Furthermore, she extended this gratitude to the many that showed kindness and support in the days of Prince Phillips death, saying,
"While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband."
A royal insider who spoke to People said that Prince Phillip understood that the Queen has a job to do. Even as he retired from public life, the insider added that duty, honor, and public service were crucial for the Queen as it was for him.
The Queen At Prince Phillip's Funeral
Prince Phillip's funeral, while intimately set, was televised to the public in a live broadcast. His body was transported to St. George's Chapel in a Land Rover he assisted in modifying as per his wishes.
Prince William and Prince Harry were in attendance for their grandfather's funeral. Moreover, Prince Charles led the procession but, the Queen did not walk behind his coffin during the funeral procession. However, she left a handwritten note on his coffin.
How The Queen Spent Her Birthday Without Prince Phillip
The monarch's birthday is a day characterized by pomp and glamour. However, as the Queen is in mourning, her birthday was a low-key affair. Her Royal Highness is currently in two weeks of mourning, and the official royal account explained,
"This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. Due to the ongoing pandemic, his funeral was held at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, with 30 people in attendance.
How The Queen Is Continuing Her Duties Without Prince Phillip
A week earlier, the Queen hosted her first royal engagement since the Prince's death. Despite being in mourning, the Queen attended a retirement ceremony for her former Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel.
Many of the royal missives from the Queen often begin with "Duke of Edinburgh and I." In a statement given at the ceremony, it was the first time the missive was absent.
The Queen Expresses her Sadness For St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Photo: Getty Images
Even while in mourning, the Queen expressed her sadness at the destruction that took place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The country experienced volcanic disruptions that displaced citizens and destroyed livelihoods.