Prince Philip: Queen thanks public for ‘support and kindness’ after death of Duke of Edinburgh

The Queen has thanked the public for their “support and kindness” following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

In a message released today (Weds 21 April) to mark her 95th birthday, the Queen spoke out for the first time since Prince Philip’s death, thanking people across the globe for their tributes to her late husband.

The Queen said she and her family were in a “period of great sadness”, but were comforted by words of praise for the Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 at Windsor Castle on 9 April.

The Queen said: “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,” the Queen added.

“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 birthday will be a private and low-key event following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, and falls within the two-week period of royal mourning, which is being held until Friday 23 April.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is “proud” to serve as the Queen’s Prime Minister, writing on Twitter: “I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.”

“I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth,” Mr Johnson added.

“I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.”

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