The sun rises to herald the beginning of a new week across the world, but life for Queen Elizabeth could not be any different.
The much-celebrated monarch lost the love of her life, her stay, and her strength when Prince Philip passed away on April 9. Though the Duke of Edinburgh was 99 – and a mere two months off of turning 100 – the sense of loss the Queen must be feeling cannot be understated.
After all, the couple were together for an incredible 73 years, and had endured all that life in the searing royal spotlight could throw at them together.
Prince Philip’s death came after a month-long stay in the hospital, but in truth, his health had been waning for years. He eventually passed away on Friday, April 9 at Windsor Castle, has become Britain’s longest-ever serving consort.
Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming his death, which read:
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
Further announcements will be made in due course.
The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.“
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
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. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
A royal source told the New York Post that Philip wished to pass away in the comfort of his own home – something that was realized.
“It was the Duke’s fervent wish to die peacefully at home,” the royal source said. “We knew that when he was taken home it was to die on his own terms, not in a hospital bed, but in his own bed.
“Philip didn’t want any fuss. He wanted to do things his way until the end,” the source added.
Queen Elizabeth’s husband died four days ago. Today she’s back to work https://t.co/w0zEtTbhHG pic.twitter.com/rtMWxsudBf
— nzherald (@nzherald) April 14, 2021
And do it his own way, he did. That much can also be said about his funeral, which took place just over a week after his passing, on Saturday, April 17.
The details of Prince Philip’s funeral had already been planned a long time ago, though certain finer points had to be revised due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Evening Standard reported that Queen Elizabeth had the difficult task of deciding who should attend the service in honor of her beloved husband. Originally, over 800 guests were planned to attend, though the final amount was actually closer to just 30.
While it is tradition for only men to walk in royal funeral processionals, today Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip’s only daughter, walked alongside her brother Prince Charles to honor their father. ❤️ https://t.co/VlIFn0hHG3 pic.twitter.com/6mvU8bHONR
— E! News (@enews) April 17, 2021
According to the Daily Mail, Philip oftentimes told his beloved wife, Queen Elizabeth, that he wanted his final journey to be “stuck” in the back of the Land Rover, and then “driven to Windsor”.
The Land Rover that carried him on his final journey, a modified “Defender 130 Gun Bus”, was designed in part by Philip himself. “Just stick me in the back of a Land Rover and drive me to Windsor,” he once told the Queen when discussing his funeral.
On Saturday, the Duke was laid to rest at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. His coffin was draped with his personal standard and his Admiral of the Fleet Naval cap and sword.
Prior to the service itself, Queen Elizabeth and her and Philip’s four children – Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward – formed a solemn procession alongside Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as Peter Philips – Prince Philip’s eldest grandchild – Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Earl of Snowdon.
Heartbreaking images from the funeral showed Queen Elizabeth dressed head to toe in black, her grief visible. The Queen sat alone, nearest the altar, in the chapel, and said her final goodbyes to her long-time husband via a touching four-word note placed upon a wreath set atop Philip’s coffin.
As per reports, the Queen had written her note by hand on a card edged in black, to follow the mourning rituals of the royal family.
The wreath, meanwhile, featured white lilies, small white roses, white freesias, white wax flowers, white sweet peas, and jasmine.
The Queen’s final message to Philip read, simply: “In loving memory, Elizabeth.” That she must now be feeling unbearable pain is to be expected, and yet the 94-year-old cut a stoic figure during the proceedings on Saturday.
Of course, we have come to expect as much of Queen Elizabeth, who will remain in an official mourning period until April 22. Reports state that during this time the rest of the Royal Family will try to support her in every way they can.
“The Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable and the Queen’s dedication to duty is undiminished,” a source told the Daily Mirror.
“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.”
Rest in peace, Prince Philip. We are sending all our thoughts and prayers to Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, and all of those who knew him.
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