Queen Elizabeth Makes Her First Solo Statement Without Prince Philip, Says She's 'Saddened By The Destruction Caused By Volcanic Eruptions'
April 16 2021, Published 1:12 p.m. ET
It's been one week since Prince Philip passed away at 99 years old, and Queen Elizabeth has already put out her first solo statement.
The 94-year-old's statements typically start with "The Duke of Edinburgh and I," but this time around, it began differently.
"I have been saddened by the destruction and major disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in recent days, and my thoughts are with the many people and families who have been evacuated from their homes, and whose livelihoods have been affected," she said, referring to the recent disaster in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. "I send my thanks to the emergency services and all those involved in the relief effort."
She continued, "My prayers will remain with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at this very difficult time."
Aside from the royal family announcing Philip's death on April 9, the Queen herself has not made any sort of statement regarding her husband.
However, Prince Edward's wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, said that the Queen "has been amazing" during this time.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew said his mother "described [Philip's death] as having left a huge void in her life."
"We’ve lost, almost, the grandfather of the nation," Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019, said. "And I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who’s feeling it probably more than everybody else."
The Queen even returned to royal duties when she hosted an in-person event for Earl Peel, who stepped down as Lord Chamberlain.
"Her family will step up and be by her side, but she will carry on," a former royal aide revealed. "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."
"She will never abdicate because of duty and honor and public service is so deep in her, as it was for him," another royal insider added.
