The Queen turned 95 today, just days after the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip. The monarch released a moving message in honor of her birthday, thanking well-wishers for their kind messages of support. It is her first public statement since Philip's death.
Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99 (opens in new tab) on Friday 9 April. His death was confirmed at the time by Buckingham Palace: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
To mark her 95th birthday, the Queen shared a message thanking the people all over the world who have paid their respects to Prince Philip by sending tributes and messages of condolence. She acknowledged the "period of great sadness" the family is currently in.
She also said that they have "been deeply touched" by the reminders that Philip had such "an extraordinary impact on countless people".
Read her message in full below.
“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 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.”
Prince Philip "passed away peacefully" (opens in new tab) at Windsor Castle. He was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. The family gathered at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle over the weekend for the ceremonial funeral (opens in new tab)—which was significantly downscaled due to pandemic safety restrictions.
Jessica Davis is Harper's Bazaar UK's junior writer, where she's been for a year since graduating from the University of Sheffield in Journalism. She helps the team across all sections of the brand, from fashion shoots to writing news and long-form articles. She's loved fashion ever since she was little and she would wear glittery fancy dress shoes and clip-on earrings to school (and never understood why her mum made her change). When she's not at work, she's either at home in East London, eating pizza or daydreaming about moving to New York.
-
Bow Down to Beyoncé, Queen of the Grammys
Queen Bey is now the most decorated artist in Grammy history.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Taylor Swift Channeled Midnight Rain at the 2023 Grammys
The pop star knows how to make the red carpet *shimmer*.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Viola Davis Earns EGOT Status With Win at the Grammys
The actress picked up the statue for the narration of her memoir, 'Finding Me.'
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn