The Queen’s heartbreak as she will never again enjoy this special birthday tradition after losing Prince Philip

The Queen has turned 95 as she remains in mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh

Queen Elizabeth II visits Watergate House to mark the centenary Of GCHQ at Watergate House on February 14, 2019 in London, England
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

The Queen has marked her 95th birthday after losing her beloved husband Prince Philip and faced more heartache as she will never again enjoy one special birthday tradition. 

The Queen has spoken out for the first time since her husband Prince Philip’s poignant funeral on April 17, as she gave thanks for all the “support and kindness” she and the Royal Family have received since his passing. This message was shared on her momentous 95th birthday and it’s understood that the plans to mark this day were suspended following the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. 

Her Majesty remains in royal mourning until April 22 as she privately grieves her beloved husband of 73 years. It’s thought that upon her return to royal duties following this, her family members will “step up” to support her at future engagements. 

The Queen will no doubt be taking great comfort in her loved ones at this time and despite the enormity of the occasion, her 95th birthday was likely a very difficult day without Prince Philip. 

Now it seems there is a particularly touching birthday tradition he started which she will never again get to enjoy. 

Speaking ahead of the Queen’s 94th birthday last year, royal biographer Ingrid Seward reportedly told Sky News that the Duke of Edinburgh gave his wife birthday flowers each year.

"Prince Philip always brings her a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and I presume that someone will definitely do that for him today”, she explained. “I think she likes white flowers and there’s always some lily of the valley - she loves flowers.”

The Queen is certainly believed to love flowers and has previously shared unique glimpses into the gardens of her residences such as Buckingham Palace and regularly attends the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The thought that Prince Philip kept a wonderful birthday tradition going and ensured the Queen received a beautiful bouquet of flowers throughout their marriage is incredibly moving.

With his death, the Queen will no longer get to experience this romantic gesture every year.

Though it seems likely that especially today as she reflects back on 95 years, happy memories of birthdays and times spent with Philip will be held closer than ever.

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!