Queen thanks public for ‘support and kindness’ as she spends 95th birthday alone after Prince Philip’s death

THE Queen has today thanked the nation for "support and kindness" following Prince Philip's death - as she spends her first birthday without him.

She told of her sadness on her 95th birthday, days after the funeral for her husband of more than 70 years, adding she was "deeply touched" by the good wishes.

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She said: "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 to 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 all for 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."

It comes as:

• Prince Harry misses the Queen's 95th birthday and lands back in LA
• Prince Andrew security scare as woman arrested wandering around grounds days after Philip's funeral
• We pay tribute to our longest-serving monarch with 95 special moments of Majesty
• ‘Normal mum’ Kate Middleton spotted shopping with George &; Charlotte – who had a strict pocket money budget

Members of the Royal Family have been supporting her throughout the mourning period, with some expected to visit her at Windsor Castle today.

On Saturday the Queen and 29 mourners gathered for Prince Philip’s scaled back funeral at Windsor Castle.

They stuck to Covid rules while paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in an intensely personal service – with the Queen sitting alone in the pews of St George’s Chapel.

And today she spends her first birthday in decades without her devoted consort by her side.

The Queen is expected to have a private and low-key day - there will be no gun salute.

It is understood she will take corgi Muick and dachshund-corgi cross Fergus for a stroll around Frogmore Gardens, as she has every day since Philip died. 

A solo photo was released this morning to celebrate her day – which is tinged with sadness at the absence of the Duke.

The Royal Family Instagram page today released a stunning shot of the Queen smiling while dressed in a plum coat and hat.

BITTERSWEET DAY

A caption says: "Today is The Queen’s 95th birthday.

"The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

"This year Her Majesty remains at Windsor Castle, during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."

The Queen has not marked her birthday in the usual fashion for two years now.

The pandemic meant the Queen’s official birthday celebration known as Trooping the Colour, normally staged in June, has been cancelled for a second year running.

Last summer, a Covid-safe event dubbed “mini Trooping” was staged at Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace has said options for an “alternative parade” were being considered at the Queen’s Berkshire home.

Her special day falls within the two-week period of royal mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh, which is being observed until Friday.

It has emerged the Royals have agreed on a rota to visit as the monarch grieves the death of her husband of more than 70 years.

Princess Anne and Sophie Wessex were reported to be among the Queen’s first visitors ahead of her birthday today.

Her Majesty will also be visited by her son Andrew, granddaughter Eugenie and her newborn son August in the coming days.