Skip to main contentSkip to footer

The Queen breaks with royal tradition following death of beloved Prince Philip

The Duke was laid to rest on 17 April

queen solo
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
Share this:

The Queen has been inundated with messages of condolence following the death of her husband, Prince Philip. As and when she is able to reply, the 94-year-old monarch will draw on a supply of special writing paper featuring a black crest.

It is a marked difference from royal tradition which has previously seen the Queen use black-edged writing paper for her correspondence – just as she did after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.

MORE: Why the Queen's family won’t call her 'Lilibet' anymore

Indeed, royal watchers noted that her message to Philip accompanying the wreath on his coffin was handwritten on a black-edged card.

WATCH: The Queen looks on during the funeral of Prince Philip

It's thought the Queen's letters will feature the solemn black crest for around a month. And it is not the only notable change for the Queen.

She will also wear black clothes and observe court mourning – although it is thought this period will not last for long with Her Majesty stoically set to return to her duties.

MORE: Prince Philip's funeral: The most moving photos from the day

READ: Royal family show heartbreaking emotion at Prince Philip's funeral

Prior to her husband's funeral, the Queen is said to have spent much of the past week alone within Windsor Castle, although that had been through choice.

queen prince

The Queen and Prince Philip were married for 73 years

Her solitude also allowed for moments of prayer in the private chapel, where Philip's coffin rested ahead of the funeral.

Poignantly, in just a few days' time, on 21 April, she will turn 95 – her first birthday without her beloved husband of 73 years.

MORE: The Queen's secret message to beloved Prince Philip in funeral wreath revealed

READ: Prince Philip's funeral wreath from his royal cousin 'Daisy' revealed

The intimate funeral service on Saturday, which was restricted to just 30 guests because of coronavirus guidelines, began with a minute’s silence at 3pm. In a touching detail, Prince Philip's coffin was driven from the State Entrance of the Castle to the West Steps of the Chapel on a specially modified Land Rover he helped design himself.

prince philip funeral mourners

The funeral procession on Saturday

Among the mourners at the chapel were the Queen and Philip's heartbroken children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

MORE: Meet the Queen's lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey

The Countess of Wessex and her two children, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, along with their husbands, were also in attendance.

queen philip scotland

Prince Philip was laid to rest at St George's Chapel

Following the funeral, the Duke was laid to rest in the Royal Vault of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, but this will not be his final resting place.

Philip will eventually be transferred to the church's King George VI memorial chapel to lie alongside his wife when the time comes.

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity, royal and lifestyle news delivered directly to your inbox.