Queen Elizabeth II Breaks Silence After Prince Philip's Funeral, Praises Husband's 'Extraordinary Impact' On People
Queen Elizabeth II is using her 95th birthday to pay tribute to her late husband, Prince Philip, days after his funeral on Saturday, April 17.
On Wednesday, April 21, Buckingham Palace released a statement, sharing that the monarch and her family have been "deeply touched" by the tributes paid to the 99-year-old after he died on Friday, April 9.
"I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate," the Queen wrote. "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, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world."
Her Majesty thanked the public for their support of the high-profile family during this time and praised Philip for his fruitful life.
"My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days," the statement concluded. "We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life."
Queen Elizabeth II signed the letter, which she wrote from the couple's home, Windsor Castle, "Elizabeth R."
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This is the first statement the Queen has made since the funeral, where her four children, eight grandchildren, their spouses and other family members came together for Philip's service at St. George's Chapel.
During the somber occasion, the Queen — who was married to Philip for 73 years — was seen sitting alone at the Chapel due to social distancing COVID-19 requirements.
The Queen also left a personal note on her husband's coffin. As OK! previously reported, the long-time lovebirds used to communicate through handwritten letters when they first met.
And while the monarch mourns the death of Philip, a former aide said she'll be getting back to work as the Queen with the help and support of her royal family. "Her family will step up and be by her side, but she will carry on," they said. "She understands that she has a job to do, and [Philip] would have wanted her to crack on. She did do so when he retired from public life."
The 95-year-old is spending her birthday "privately" at Windsor Castle, the palace confirmed. They did not comment on whether she will be joined by her family for a socially distanced celebration.
