The Queen thanks public for kindness following death of Prince Philip
A statement was released to mark Her Majesty's 95th Birthday
Last updated 21st Apr 2021
The Queen has thanked the public for their "support and kindness" after the death of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, earlier this month.
Celebrating her 95th birthday today, the Queen released a statement via the Royal Family's official Twitter page, reflecting on a "period of great sadness".
The statement reads: “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.
“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.”
For the first time in her reign, the Queen is celebrating her birthday without her husband by her side.
It comes just five days after the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral at Windsor Castle, which saw 30 guests social distancing throughout the ceremony.
Take a look back at the long marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh:
The Royal Wedding
The newly married Princess Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day. They married on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey, having announced their engagement in July 1946.
The Coronation
Waving from Buckingham Palace, this time as the newly coronated Queen and Consort of the Monarch. The Queen's coronation took place on 2 June 1953, following the death of her father, King George VI the previous year.
Silver Wedding Anniversary
Their Royal Highnesses celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary at Balmoral in Scotland in 1972.
The new millenium
Prince Philip kisses the Queen as they celebrate entering a new millennium. In the year 2000, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Duke of Edinburgh receives honour from Queen
In 2013, the Queen presented her husband, Prince Philip, with the Order of New Zealand, the country's highest honour. This was awarded alongside the Queen's birthday honours list in 2012, on the advice of the New Zealand Government.
Sharing a smile
The couple have been frequently caught sharing a smile or a laugh when carrying out visits and Royal duties. Their daughter-in-law, the Countess of Wessex once noted that the success of the pair's relationship was founded in laughter and support. She said: "they make each other laugh, which is half the battle, isn't it?"
Prince Philip's funeral
After 73 years of marriage, Prince Philip passed away aged 99. The Queen had to sit on her own for the funeral due to social distancing rules in place at the time. The Queen described the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as leaving "a huge void" in her life.
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