Prince Philip is about to celebrate another solid lap around the sun, and to celebrate, fans have been given a rare glimpse of the iconic royal.
On Wednesday, June 10, Buckingham Palace surprised fans with a new image of the Duke of Edinburgh alongside his wife, the Queen, at Windsor Castle.
The image in itself is a rarity given the Prince has retired from his formal duties, which of course gives us all the more reason to unpack it in all its glory.
The image was taken on Monday, June 1 at Windsor Castle, where the pair have remained in quarantine since the beginning of the UK lock down at the end of March.
In the picture, taken by a Press Association photographer, the two royals look happy and at ease – a reassurance to royal fans given their strict quarantine due to being high risk for the COVID-19 virus.
The Palace has released this new photo of Prince Philip and the Queen for his 99th birthday.
(Press Association)For the surprise photo shoot, the Queen looked radiant as ever in a floral long-sleeved frock by her long time favourite designer, Angela Kelly.
She also added the Cullinan V diamond brooch, while the Duke also dressed to the nines, wearing the Household Division tie.
Sharing the picture on Instagram, the Palace was flooded with comments from more well wishers.
“Fantastic age and fantastic couple,” wrote one.
Another noted: “Will he make the 100th year… he’ll get his card from the Queen.”
“Amazing! Happy Birthday to His Royal Highness,” one fan added.
The Prince and the Queen have been married for more than 70 years.
(Getty / AP)It is understood the Duke will celebrate his birthday quietly at Windsor Castle with his wife.
Due to the restrictions around COVID-19, Philip will not be having any large gathering of friends, but going by how royals have recently celebrated milestones, there is one thing Philip will no doubt look forward to – video calls.
Indeed, the royals have become certified pros when it comes to the humble art of the FaceTime call (much like ourselves during lock down), so he can fully expect a flurry of calls from his various family members on the special day.
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Son Prince Charles will also likely revel in a special video call for his father.
Last week, he gave a rare interview explaining how he missed his dad, especially as he was about to celebrate his birthday.
“I haven’t seen my father for a long time. He’s going to be 99 next week, so yes, or my grandchildren or anything.”
“I’ve been doing the FaceTime, is all very well but….”
He continued: “Fortunately at least you can speak to [family and friends] on telephones and occasionally do this sort of thing. But it isn’t the same, is it? You really want to give people a hug.”
WATCH: Prince Philip talks about marriage to Queen Elizabeth II:
