Royal Family suspends Queen's 95th birthday plans following Prince Philip's funeral

The Queen's 95th birthday will place on Wednesday, but the occasion won't feel like much of a celebration.

• The Queen's birthday plans have been suspended following the death of Prince Philip.
• The Queen will ring in her 95th year without any fuss as she continues to mourn her late husband. 
• In other royal news, the Queen could move permanently to Windsor Castle to be near Prince Philip.
  

The Queen's 95th birthday falls on April 21, but it's unlikely to be a joyful affair. 

The date marks her first birthday in 74 years without Prince Philip, who was laid to rest at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

The British monarch, who was pictured sitting in solitude at the funeral of her late husband, was expected to commemorate the milestone age with the unveiling of a new portrait of her. 

However, with the Queen still in an official mourning period, these plans have been temporarily suspended. 

Instead, Her Majesty will spend the day with a 'tiny coterie' of about 20 royal staff who make up her Windsor bubble. The gun salutes normally fired on her birthday have also been called off, as a gesture of respect during this solemn time. This marks the second time in a row that the tradition has been canceled. The salutes did not go ahead last year either after Buckingham Palace deemed the celebratory ritual inappropriate amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Royal Family has reportedly banded around the Queen following the death of Prince Philip, devising a rota of visits to ensure she always has company during this dark period. They will take turns to spend time with the grieving monarch at her Windsor residence, accompanying her on walks with her beloved dogs as she processes her loss. 

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, is expected to drive from his Highgrove House in Gloucester to see his mother this week. His younger sister Princess Anne, who has always been close to the Queen, is also reportedly planning on stopping by.

For those who can't make the physical journey to Windsor, virtual communication will be used. With their children back in school after the Easter break, Prince William and Kate Middleton will rely on technology to connect with the Queen. The couple has reportedly already arranged a series of video calls with Her Majesty over the coming weeks, in which she will be able to safely see her cherished great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.