The Queen breaks her silence in emotional statement following Prince Philip’s death

Speaking publicly for the first time since her husband’s death, the Queen wrote:

I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

The message was shared across The Royal Family’s official social media accounts, she continued:

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.

The Queen thanks public for their support

Her Majesty ended her statement by thanking the public for their support following Prince Philip’s death:

My family and I would like to thank you for all 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.

The Queen’s 95th birthday

It was previously confirmed that the Queen would be spending her 95th birthday at Windsor Castle, with Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn all expected to pay her a socially-distanced visit at some point during the day.

The Queen will also be kept company by her two Corgi puppies that she is believed to have had since March when Prince Philip was in hospital. The Queen is famous for her love of the canines and is thought to have owned over 30 corgis over the course of her 68 years on the throne.