Queen Elizabeth II has on Tuesday, April 27 bravely returned to work for the first time since her late husband, Prince Philip’s funeral.
The grieving monarch, 95, smiled as she held virtual audiences by video link from Windsor Castle 10 days after the memorial service.
Read Also: Prince Philip Laid To Rest In Royal Vault At Windsor Castle (Photos)
It is the first time she has been seen undertaking her royal duties since the Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 9, aged 99, following a successful heart surgery.
A funeral then held in St. George’s Chapel on April 17, attended by 30 of his closest friends and relatives.
Read Also: Breaking: Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s Husband, Dies At 99
Many royal watchers suggested the Queen would slowly withdraw from public life after the funeral but today’s appearance shows she is not ready to retire just yet.
The Queen, no longer in a black mourning outfit, was dressed in a pale blue floral dress, ready for work.
Her dress also featured large purple, white and yellow flowers, with a three-string pearl necklace and a diamond brooch as outfit accessories.
The Queen held audience with Her Excellency Ivita Burmistre, the ambassador of Latvia.
The Queen on the screen during a virtual audience to receive Her Excellency Ivita Burmistre, the ambassador of Latvia. (PA Images)
She also received Her Excellency Sara Affoue Amani, the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire, during the virtual meeting.
Few people expected her return to the hectic schedule of meetings, receptions and garden parties that she once took on.
“Fundamentally, the queen will fade away gracefully,” said Peter Hunt, a former royal correspondent for the BBC.
He added;
Covid has helped in the sense that it has accelerated what any sensible 95-year-old woman would want to do, which is not stand on your feet all day long.
However, images of the Queen in full make up, smiles and immaculate hair suggest she is not about to pull on the royal slippers just yet.
Prince Charles maybe ready to take over the throne but Her Majesty could be sitting on it for some to come.
The last time the Queen was seen in public she was dressed all in black at her husband’s funeral, poignantly sat alone.
Two weeks of royal mourning in memory of the late Dule ended for the monarchy and their households last Friday, meaning the Windsors were allowed to go back to work full-time.
Today marks an official return to duties, although the Queen did undertake some engagements just four days after Philip’s death.
She held her first in-person event on April 13 – an audience and investiture with Earl Peel, who was relinquishing his role as Lord Chamberlain.
A day later, the Queen welcomed her new Lord Chamberlain, Baron Parker, who was overseeing Philip’s funeral, at another Windsor ceremony.
She was not photographed at these two events. Although the Queen was not seen out and about in public, Buckingham Palace considers audiences official public engagements because they are listed in the court circular.
The Queen turned 95 just 12 days after the Deluke died and used her birthday to release a message thanking well-wishers for their tribute to Philip.
She said she and her family were in a “period of great sadness” but were comforted by words of praise for the Duke.
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.
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