Queen Elizabeth II marked her 95th birthday Wednesday by admitting she was still in a “period of great sadness” over the death of husband Prince Philip.
“I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate,” the Queen said in a statement on the royal family’s social media sites.
“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,” she wrote.
She had been married to Philip, who died this month at age 99, for 73 years. She was forced to sit alone at his funeral Saturday because of coronavirus restrictions.
“We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life,” she said.
Queen Elizabeth II sits alone in St. George’s Chapel during the funeral of Prince Philip.
She signed the message “Elizabeth R,” a traditional sign-off, with the “R” standing for “regina,” which means “queen” in Latin, Harper’s Bazaar says.
