How Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Will Be Observed Amid Mourning and Family Gatherings
Explore the unique and heartfelt ways Queen Elizabeth II will mark her birthday during a period of national mourning following the passing of Prince Philip.
Queen Elizabeth II has introduced significant changes to her birthday celebrations in response to the recent loss of Prince Philip.
This past weekend marked the funeral of Prince Philip, who passed away at the age of 99 on April 9. The farewell ceremony departed from traditional royal customs, reflecting Philip’s personal wishes for a modest service and prearranged burial plans.
For instance, all of Prince Philip’s relatives wore regular suits instead of military uniforms, emphasizing simplicity and respect for his preferences.
Throughout the ceremony, the Queen wore a mask and sat alone in the cathedral, adhering strictly to COVID-19 safety protocols. Photos capturing the solitary monarch have resonated worldwide, symbolizing collective grief and solemnity.
Adding to the poignancy, Queen Elizabeth II will soon celebrate her 95th birthday on April 21—her first in many years without Prince Philip by her side. Naturally, the celebrations will be markedly different in light of her husband’s passing.
One of the most notable changes announced after the funeral is the Queen’s decision to forgo the traditional official birthday portrait. This choice reflects her ongoing mourning and the unprecedented absence of Prince Philip during this milestone.
“The absence of Prince Philip is impossible to overlook. Queen Elizabeth II postponed plans for the birthday photoshoot because she is grieving her beloved husband. For the first time in 70 years, he will not be by her side on her special day, making this celebration profoundly different,” a royal expert told the Daily Mail.
On a brighter note, there is hope that Prince Harry, who attended his grandfather’s funeral, may remain in the UK to participate in the Queen’s 95th birthday celebrations.
“He purchased a return ticket to the United States with an open date,” an insider revealed. Should circumstances permit, Harry is expected to return home to Meghan Markle and their nearly two-year-old son, Archie, after the birthday festivities.
Additionally, rumors suggest that, similar to last year, the Queen will decline the customary birthday gun salute. In 2020, this decision was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Queen believed that grand celebrations were inappropriate during challenging times. Now, the reason is even more profound: neither the Queen nor her subjects feel inclined to celebrate so soon after losing their longest-serving royal figure.
Photo credits: Getty Images, Legion-Media.ru, @misanharriman/Twitter
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