Queen breaks silence for 95th birthday message
The Queen has made her first public comments since the death of Prince Philip as she marked her first birthday in 73 years without him.
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The Queen has marked her 95th birthday by sharing a message to the world, thanking the public for their “support and kindness” after the death of her husband, Prince Philip.
In a rare statement posted to social media, the monarch thanked well wishers from around the world for their messages of condolence as she hailed the Duke of Edinburgh’s “extraordinary life”.
It was the Queen’s first statement since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9 at the age of 99.
“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,” the Queen said in her statement, which was signed Elizabeth R.
“My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”
The Queen spotted driving through Windsor on her birthday, reportedly on her way to take her dogs for a walk as she marked the day without her “strength and stay” of 73 years.
The Queen – who was recently gifted two new corgi puppies by Prince Andrew – was pictured leaving Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar car after the “low-key” birthday celebrations, which are believed to have included several family members and her closest aides.
Senior royals have reportedly agreed a rota to visit the Queen over the coming days to ensure that she is not left alone.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were reported to be among the first visitors.
The Queen’s grandson Prince Harry will not be among them after he returned to wife Meghan Markle and son Archie in California two days after his grandfather’s funeral. He was pictured returning to the family’s Montecito home on Tuesday afternoon (local time).
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lead tributes to the Queen, saying: ‘I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.
“I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth. I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.’”
TRIBUTE TO QUEEN’S EARLY LIFE
Earlier, Buckingham Palace shared a photo of the Queen at a royal engagement, with a post containing touching details of her early life. The photo was from a previous engagement rather than a new official portrait, in line with this year’s more low-key celebrations.
“The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London,” the post read.
“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.
Married to the Queen for 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving consort in British history.
His passing was marked last Saturday by a church service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, attended by just 30 guests.
The Royal website posted instructions for a National Mourning that will for the Royal Family continue beyond the nation’s designated date, and affect how the Queen observes her birthday this year:
“Additionally, it is The Queen’s wish that the Royal Family will observe two weeks of Royal Mourning starting on Friday 9 April. Royal Mourning will be observed by Members of the Royal Family and their Households, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties. During this period, Members of the Royal Family will continue undertaking engagements appropriate to the circumstances. Mourning bands will be worn where appropriate.”
On 6 February 1952, Elizabeth, aged just 25, ascended to the throne after the sudden death of her father, King George.
There are public celebrations for the Queen’s birthday held in June, namely, The Queen’s Official Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, but this year, like last, will see a change in arrangements.
The Queen chose to have her public birthday celebration in June rather than in April to follow in the tradition of her forebear, King George II, who chose that month due to the better weather.
This year for her private celebration of her actual birth date, the Queen will celebrate with select family members, following Britain’s current COVID-19 restrictions on limited indoor gatherings.
According to Britain’s current rules, “You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies.”
Two households may meet outdoors. “This means, for example, that you and your support bubble can meet with another household, even if the group is more than 6 people,” the rules state.
Some insiders say the Queen has forgone some usual customs, for example, she has declined to have a new portrait painted of her.
As with last year’s birthday the Queen will also decline to have the customary gun salutes in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.
Originally published as Queen breaks silence for 95th birthday message
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