Royal Family will ‘step up’ to support the Queen at future engagements as she remains determined to carry on

It's claimed her dedication to duty is 'undiminished'

Queen Elizabeth II prepares to greet Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev at Buckingham Palace on November 4, 2015 in London
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Royal Family are reportedly set to “step up” and support the Queen at future engagements as she is determined to resume royal duties following her period of mourning for Prince Philip.

The Queen has described the sad passing of her beloved husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, at Windsor Castle last week as leaving a “huge void’ in her life. Having first met in the sweetest way in 1939, the couple were devoted to each other throughout their marriage. It's even been suggested that looking out for the Queen was something Prince Philip asked of Prince Charles before he died.

Their grandson Prince William has now broken his silence on his grandfather’s passing with a touching photograph and caption. In it, William spoke of all his wonderful memories of Prince Philip, but also of his belief that the Duke of Edinburgh would want him to focus on his duties as a senior royal and supporting his grandmother. 

“Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead”, William stated. “I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”

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Now despite her grief at this difficult time, it’s been claimed that the Queen is determined to carry on following her official period of mourning. 

According to the Daily Mail, sources have suggested that Her Majesty is planning to fulfil as many commitments as possible once her official mourning period ends later this month.

There will also reportedly be a concerted effort from her family to support her as she does this.

Which royals will be supporting the Queen at future engagements? 

Royals thought to be stepping up to support the Queen at future engagements include Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Edward, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne. 

The Daily Mail reports that a source claimed: “The Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable and the Queen's dedication to duty is undiminished. 

"But senior officials and members of the family have long had an eye on ensuring she is more supported in the future and it seems sensible to start employing this now.'

Whilst another source supposedly explained: “If one parent dies the children – and in this case, grandchildren – all step up and fill in in different ways.

“No single individual could ever take place of the Duke of Edinburgh, but just maybe all of them coming together will fill some of the space he has left behind.”

The Queen has entered into an official mourning period following Prince Philip’s death. This is set to end on April 22, the day after she celebrates her 95th birthday.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!