Queen Elizabeth Speaks Out On Her 95th Birthday About Prince Philip's Death, Thanks Well-Wishers For Their 'Support & Kindness' During This Time
April 21 2021, Published 9:39 a.m. ET
Almost two weeks after Prince Philip died, Queen Elizabeth spoke out about her late husband — on her 95th birthday.
“I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate. 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,” she said in a statement that was posted on social media on Wednesday, April 21.
“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," she added.
Of course, people took to the comments section to write the matriarch a sweet note. One person said, "It's her birthday and she can only think and speak about her husband 😢❤️ #truelove," while another added, "Happy Birthday ma’am. You are the biggest jewel in the Crown! 👑May Philip continue to guide you and protect you ❤️❤️."
A third user wrote, "We love You Your Majesty! We thank you for everything you do and We stand by you in this very sad time! ❤️😍."
The Queen's birthday will look a bit different this year — there will be no new portrait and no gun salute, the Daily Express reported.
"Plans to mark the day with a new portrait of her are set to be shelved because she is still in the official period of royal mourning for her beloved husband," royal expert Rebecca English shared.
"The glaring absence of Prince Philip will be impossible to ignore and the run-up to what should have been a joyous day is set to be overshadowed by speculation about the major rift in her family."
Philip died on April 9 at 99 years old, and the royal family shared the sad news via social media.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” the family’s statement read. “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.”
Prior to Philip's funeral, which took place on April 17, the Queen shared a couple of throwback photos of the couple.
"The Queen wishes to share this private photograph taken with The Duke of Edinburgh at the top of the Coyles of Muick, Scotland in 2003," The Royal Family's Instagram account captioned the picture of the duo sitting on the grass.
"📷Photograph by The Countess of Wessex. Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of The Duke, in celebration of his life," the message continued.
