Queen to celebrate Prince Philip’s life after sitting alone at funeral as she returns to Windsor for string of events
THE Queen has returned to Windsor from Sandringham for a string of events – including a celebration of Prince Philip’s life.
Her Majesty, 95, was forced to sit alone at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last year due to Covid restrictions, but she will next month attend a grand service of thanksgiving in his honour.
It is set to be held at Westminster Abbey on March 29 and will likely see large numbers of the royal family attending alongside the duke’s friends, colleagues and representatives of organisations he supported.
After the poignant image of the monarch sat distanced from other mourners due to lockdown regulations during Philip’s funeral service, she will be surrounded by those who knew and loved her husband.
As well as the service for the duke, who died in April aged 99, it is understood the Queen will also attend a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2 and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.
The events form part of her full diary of duties and public outings following a four-month break after a health scare last year.
As well as her usual audiences, credentials and privy council meetings, which will be held in person and virtually, the Queen has also been given the green light to have a major role at her four-day Platinum Jubilee national party in June.
But officials are said to be keen she doesn’t rush back into things after Her Majesty carried out 19 jobs in as many days in October, which led to her resting on doctors’ orders.
Ahead of her official return to work, the monarch held her largest in-person public engagement since spending a night in hospital, welcoming members of the Sandringham community to her Norfolk home to celebrate the Jubilee.
She used a walking stick but looked well, moved freely and clearly enjoyed meeting former Sandringham estate workers, charity volunteers and colleagues from the Women’s Institute.
And she was this morning spotted taking her corgis out for a sunshine stroll around her Sandringham estate before flying by helicopter back to Windsor Castle.
Her visits to the country abode in Norfolk usually last until February 6 – the anniversary of her father’s death.
But she extended her stay as the day coincided with her momentous achievement of becoming the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.
Yesterday she marked 70 years since becoming Queen at the age of 25.
Preparations are well under way for the year-long historic festivities, which include a birthday parade, a party at the Palace, and an artistic pageant.
The Queen said in a message to the nation to mark the milestone: “I was blessed that in Prince Philip I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it.
“It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.
“I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.”
In the letter, she also revealed her “sincere wish” that the Duchess of Cornwall be known as Queen Consort in an address marking her Accession Day.
Prince Charles and Camilla are said to be “touched and honoured” by the decision.