Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 95th birthday on Wednesday under somber circumstances as she continues to mourn the loss of her husband, Prince Philip.
The Queen, who is spending the day at Windsor Castle, issued a very personal statement on her special day, which marks the first birthday she will spend without her husband in over 70 years, Good Morning America reports.
"I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate," Queen Elizabeth said in the statement. "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."
The British monarch continued, "My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life."
Prince Philip died at the age of 99 on April 9, two months shy of his 100th birthday.
The Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 17.
Due to coronavirus pandemic concerns, the funeral was downsized and included only 30 attendees from the royal family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, all four of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth’s four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, and their eight grandchildren.
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Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Kate Middleton were also present at the ceremony.
Prince Philip served as the longest-serving consort in British history.
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