Inside Queen Elizabeth's First Statement Without Prince Philip
One week after Prince Phillip's death at the age of 99, Queen Elizabeth II gave her first public statement without him by her side. At the time of his death, Phillip had been married to the queen for more than 70 years, making him the "longest-serving British consort in history," per Town & Country.
Per The New York Times, Philip swore his allegiance to the queen back in 1953 when she ascended the throne. Over the course of their marriage, he kept his oath, performing the duties of a supportive, diligent consort until his death. Following her husband's death, the queen has had to continue on with her royal duties without her companion. According to People, on April 16, 2021, she addressed the public for the first time without Phillip nearby, and without saying her typical "The Duke of Edinburgh and I."
Here's how she handled her first solo statement following Philip's death.
Despite this difficult time, Queen Elizabeth 'understands that she has a job to do'
In Queen Elizabeth's first statement following Prince Phillip's death, she did not mention her late husband. Instead, per People, in her solo public statement on April 16, 2021, she directed her attention "to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Commonwealth nation."
Per NBC News, "roughly 20,000 people [were[ displaced by ongoing volcanic eruptions in St. Vincent." For that reason, the queen wanted to extend her sympathy to those affected. She told the public (via People), "I have been saddened by the destruction and major disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in recent days, and my thoughts are with the many people and families who have been evacuated from their homes, and whose livelihoods have been affected." She continued, "I send my thanks to the emergency services and all those involved in the relief effort."
A source told People that despite losing her husband, the queen "understands that she has a job to do." The insider added, "Her family will step up and be by her side, but she will carry on. ... [Philip] would have wanted her to crack on. She did do so when he retired from public life." A royal insider also backed that sentiment by stating, "She will never abdicate because of duty and honor and public service is so deep in her, as it was for him."
Phillip's funeral is set to take place April 17, 2021.