Following the death of Prince Philip in April 2021, Queen Elizabeth II faced profound personal loss after being married to him for 73 years. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news with a statement expressing “deep sorrow” and emphasizing the Queen’s loss of her “beloved husband.” The Queen herself had previously described Philip as her “strength and stay” throughout their marriage, a sentiment that highlights their deep bond and the significant void his death left in her life.
Despite her grief, Queen Elizabeth’s focus shifted to supporting her family. In the aftermath of Philip’s passing, her four children—Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward—gathered to comfort her. According to Gyles Brandreth, a royal author and confidante, the Queen was not only receiving comfort from her children but was also actively comforting them. This dual role of being both a grieving widow and a supportive matriarch exemplifies her strength and devotion to her family. Her demeanor during this time was marked by stoicism, a quality that she had long been known for, particularly in moments of personal and public adversity.
Prince Andrew, reflecting on his mother’s state following his father’s death, described her as being “incredibly stoic” and noted that she referred to Philip’s passing as a “miracle.” He also acknowledged that his father’s death had left a “huge void” in her life. The Queen’s approach to dealing with the loss was described as contemplative, with Andrew emphasizing how the family rallied around her to provide the necessary support during such a difficult time. He also spoke fondly of his father, describing him as a calming presence and a figure who was always there to listen, not just for the family but as a paternal figure to the nation.
Charles Anson, the Queen’s former press secretary, shared insights into her coping mechanisms following Philip’s death. He highlighted her natural calmness and her ability to remain steady, attributes he believed were ingrained in her temperament and honed through decades of experience. Anson, who worked closely with the Queen during the 1990s, recalled her ability to maintain composure regardless of the circumstances, a trait that was evident once again during this period of mourning. He reflected on how the Queen had likely prepared herself for the eventuality of Philip’s death, acknowledging that while it was a deeply personal and cathartic moment for her, she remained a steadying force for the nation and her family.
In the days following Philip’s death, the Queen’s sense of duty and her dedication to her role as monarch and matriarch were evident. Even in mourning, she continued to fulfill her responsibilities, embodying the qualities of resilience and commitment that have defined her reign. The Queen’s ability to prioritize the needs of her family and the country while dealing with her own grief reflects her enduring sense of duty and her deep devotion to both her public role and her private life.
The period following Prince Philip’s death also saw reflections on the Queen’s life, particularly her ability to balance personal loss with public service. As she navigated this profound period of mourning, her actions and demeanor served as a testament to her strength, her commitment to her family, and her unwavering dedication to her role as the sovereign of the United Kingdom.