The Queen Shares an Emotional Birthday Message Following Prince Philip's Death

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 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" 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—which was significantly downscaled due to pandemic safety restrictions.