The Queen has returned to work four days after Prince Philip's death
Queen Elizabeth II has returned to work four days after the very sad passing of her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She carried out her first official duty by hosting an in-person ceremony to recognise the Earl Peel formally standing down from the role of Lord Chamberlain, whose office organises royal ceremonies.
The entire Royal Family are still in mourning for the next two weeks, but a spokesperson explained that they would continue "to undertake engagements appropriate to the circumstances". Her Majesty has still not appeared in public either, as the private event was held at Windsor Castle. It saw the Queen graciously accept her former royal aide's office insignia and wand.
The official engagement was still recorded in the Court Circular (which keeps track of the daily events attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family). The entry reads: "The Earl Peel had an audience of The Queen today, delivered up his Wand and Insignia of Office as Lord Chamberlain and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Chamberlain, when Her Majesty invested him with the Royal Victorian Chain."
The Earl Peel had also played a part in overseeing preparations for Prince Philip's funeral, something referred to by its code name of 'Operation Forth Bridge', which will be taking place this Saturday. The three Cambridge children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - will not be in attendance due to the COVID-related restrictions on the number of guests permitted.
Speaking about his mother and father's close relationship, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who no longer carries out senior duties for the Royal Family, said over the weekend that despite the Queen being an "incredibly stoic person" the death of her husband has "left a huge void in her life".
He added, "But we, the family, the ones that are close, are rallying round to make sure that we're there to support her."
Other members of the family have paid their respects to Prince Philip too, with both Prince Harry and Prince William sharing special memories and commenting on the Duke of Edinburgh's sense of humour.
The funeral will take place this coming Saturday at 3pm at St George's Chapel.
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