

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
- This weekend, royal fans noticed that Queen Elizabeth II was all smiles during not just one, but two appearances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor.
- Royal author Phil Dampier says the Queen's focus on living life to the fullest is in line with what her late husband, Prince Philip, would have wanted for her after his passing.
- "I’m sure she was devastated by his passing—after all they were married for 73 years," Dampier explained in a recent interview. "But I’m sure that he told her to enjoy what was left of her own life. He would not want her to sit around mourning him like Queen Victoria did for Albert, and I bet he would want her to carry on living life to the full."
Queen Elizabeth II is focused on living her life to the fullest since the death of her late husband, Prince Philip.
In an interview with the Daily Mail's FEMAIL, royal author Phil Dampier said the Queen was, understandably, "devastated" by Philip's death, but is determined to "live life to the full" because that's what he would have wanted for her.
"Some might think it is strange that she is so happy so soon after Prince Philip’s death, but I think there is a simple explanation," Dampier explained. "I’m sure she was devastated by his passing—after all they were married for 73 years. But I’m sure that he told her to enjoy what was left of her own life. He would not want her to sit around mourning him like Queen Victoria did for Albert, and I bet he would want her to carry on living life to the full."
The monarch illustrated this life philosophy this weekend, when she made not just one, but two appearances at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Here she is, having the time of her life on Saturday, July 3 as she watched her horse "First Receiver" compete in—and win, NBD—the Retired Racehorses - RoR Open In Hand Show Series Qualifier Class on day 3 of the Horse Show:
And here she is again on July 4, beaming as she watched her horse "Fools Paradise" compete in the Small Riding Horse class on day 4 of the event:
The Queen and Philip had been married for 73 years when he died in April, following increasing struggles with his health that culminated in a month-long hospitalization shortly before his death.
Dampier added that the Queen had found "new energy" as coronavirus restrictions have lessened—something else that might be helping her find reasons to smile after losing Philip.
"It’s been fantastic to see the Queen is such good form in recent weeks. She seems happy and relaxed and it’s a joy to see her smiling face," Dampier said. "I think she is just delighted to be out of lockdown like the rest of us, and getting out and about doing the things she loves. "She has her social life and you could see how happy she was to be at the Windsor Horse Show, one of her favorite events of the year, four days running. She meets up with old friends and loves to catch up on gossip, as well as spend time with her own family."
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Taylor Swift is at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game in Kansas City—With His Mom, Donna
Well, that clears that up.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Literally Face the Same Woe as Every Other Parent
They may be royalty, but kids are kids.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Expert Says of Princess Kate’s Recent Transformation That “We Are Seeing the Real Kate Now”
Her revved up charisma matches that of a beloved royal family member that was anything but self-conscious.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Will Be in Wales Today to Pay Tribute to the Queen on the Anniversary of Her Death
The Queen had a special connection with the cathedral they're visiting.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Is "Built From the Queen's Mold," Says Royal Expert
He's learned a lot from her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn