It’s unfathomable to many, but for the Queen, losing her husband of 73 years is something she has had to endure this month.
And now, less than two weeks after Prince Philip’s death, The Queen has shared her first official statement.
As she celebrated her 95th birthday on Wednesday, April 21, the British royal shared a beautiful statement.
“I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate,” she began the statement.
“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,” she said.
“It has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband.”
(Sophie, Countess of Wessex)The 95-year-old said she had received many messages of good wishes, and that she and the royal family were “deeply touched” by the “support and kindness” from around the wrold.
“My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days,” she said.
She went on to say they continue to be reminded that Philip had “such an extraordinary impact on countless people” throughout his life.
Buckingham Palace also shared this photo of the Queen for her 95th birthday.
(Getty)Buckingham Palace also shared a photo of the Queen in happier times for her birthday, and along with the photo was the caption: “Today is The Queen’s 95th birthday.”
“The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
“This year Her Majesty remains at Windsor Castle, during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh,” the caption read.
The Queen’s usually birthday commemorations have been cancelled as it falls in the royal mourning period.
(Getty)With her birthday falling within the two-week period of royal mourning for her late husband, commemorations this year are subdued.
According to the Ministry of Defence, traditional gun salutes in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London have been cancelled.
It is expected the Queen will spend her birthday with some family members and staff at Windsor Castle, after she laid her husband Philip to rest on Saturday.
The Queen paid tribute to her husband with special touches to her outfit.
(Getty)She led mourners in the small, heartfelt ceremony remembering the Duke of Edinburgh, and paid tribute to her husband with special touches to her outfit.
She wore the traditional colour of mourning, an all-black ensemble, nut she also donned Queen Mary’s Richmond Brooch, according to Express.
The diamond pin is highly sentimental for Her Majesty as she inherited the piece from her grandmother and wore it during her and Philip’s honeymoon and on their 73rd anniversary.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, New Idea.
For more on Prince Philip and his colourful life, read the stories below
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died aged 99
The Queen pays tribute to her late husband Prince Philip in a striking black outfit at his funeral
Duchess Catherine’s beautiful show of support for the Queen hidden in her all-black outfit
A gun-salute and an online book of condolence: Australia reacts to the death of Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip shared a beautiful love story
The royals gather together for a quiet service in honour of their beloved father and grandfather
The Duke of Hazard! A look back at Prince Philip’s naughtiest gaffes from over the years
