Here’s How Queen Elizabeth Celebrated First Birthday After Prince Philip’s Death

This marks Queen Elizabeth II's second low-key birthday in a row. The Queen, who turned 95 on Wednesday, spent the entire day in the company of close family members.

While the day is usually marked by gun salutes in Hyde Park, Windsor Great Park, and the Tower of London; this year was devoid of any gaiety and pomp. Fans who grew up watching the Queen wave at well-wishers from the balcony of the Buckingham Palace or witnessing the large-scale military procession Trooping the Colour, were not witness to any of it this year. In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, the royal family continues to be in mourning until Friday owing to the passing of Prince Philip, as reported on CNN World.

The Royal Family shared a post on Twitter honing her majesty. Interestingly, the Queen’s birthday is celebrated twice a year. An official birthday is celebrated every year in the month of June.

Despite the gloom, the Queen remained thankful to fans for their tributes and good wishes. A statement released by Windsor Castle, read: “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."

Born in London on April 23, 1926, as the first child to the Duke and Duchess of York; Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning sovereign in the British Royal Family.