Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her 95th birthday today just over a week after the death of Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years. To mark the occasion, the Queen released a statement that both thanked her supporters from all around the world and acknowledged the fact that she is currently in a period of “great sadness.”
“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.
“My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days,” the Queen added. “We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”
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Buckingham Palace announced on Friday, April 9 that Philip had passed away at the age of 99.
“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 palace said in a statement, according to US Weekly. “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.”
The Queen married Philip in 1947, and they remained devoted to each other for the entire 73 years of their marriage.
“He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know,” the Queen said in a speech back in 1997 in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Philip’s funeral took place this past Saturday with just 30 people in attendance due to COVID-19, and the Queen had to sit alone because of the pandemic as well. She could be seen wiping tears from her eyes during the service as she said goodbye to the love of her life.
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