Queen shares heartfelt 95th birthday message giving thanks for ‘support and kindness’ after Prince Philip’s death

The Queen has shared an emotional message on her 95th birthday giving thanks for all the ‘support and kindness’ she and the Royal Family have received following Prince Philip’s death. 

• Her Majesty has turned 95 and marked her first birthday since the loss of her husband of over seven decades, the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9.
• In her birthday message, the Queen selflessly thanked all who paid tribute to Prince Philip and spoke of the “comfort” it has given her.
• In other royal news, Prince Harry misses the Queen’s 95th birthday after returning to the US. 

The Queen and her family were left devastated when her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, passed away at Windsor Castle on April 9. His loss has been described by the monarch as leaving a “huge void” in her life. During his poignant funeral at St George’s Chapel on April 17, the Queen carried several sentimental items in her handbag that reminded her of him. These were likely a source of great comfort, particularly as Covid-19 guidelines meant that Her Majesty was forced to sit alone at the service.

Now the Queen has marked her first birthday following Prince Philip’s passing, turning 95 on April 21. The Queen’s official birthday in June is usually marked with the magnificent Trooping the Colour parade, however, plans for her actual 95th birthday were reportedly suspended following Prince Philip’s funeral. 

Instead, Her Majesty has issued a deeply touching message thanking everyone for their support at this time and speaking of the comfort she has drawn from the tributes made to her late husband. 

In the message shared by the official Royal Family Instagram account, the Queen stated: “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. - Elizabeth R’.

As some royal fans were quick to point out, this display of selflessness from the Queen, both on her birthday and in light of her devastating loss, shows just how remarkable a monarch she is.

‘It's her birthday and she can only think and speak about her husband 😢❤️ #truelove’ one commented.

Another wrote: ‘Happy Birthday to our dear Queen, what a hard day this must be for you. The love and well wishes of the Commonwealth are with you today and every day ❤️ ‘.

The Queen is currently in official royal mourning for Prince Philip, with this mourning period due to end on April 22.