Queen thanks public for 'support and kindness' after Prince Philip's death as she marks her 95th birthday

She is still mourning her beloved husband of 73 years and on Wednesday, her grief still raw, had to endure her 95th birthday without him by her side.

But the Queen marked the occasion with a rare, personal message, thanking the public for the “support and kindness” that has enveloped her since the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.

Her Majesty suggested that the flood of tributes had brought much-needed comfort at a time of “great sadness,” having served as a reminder of the “extraordinary impact” Prince Philip had throughout his long life.

In her first public comments since the Duke’s death on April 9, she said the whole family had been “deeply touched” by the support they had received.

The Queen wrote: “I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.

“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. “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.”

Written at Windsor, it was signed "Elizabeth R."

There was no public fanfare as the Queen quietly marked her first birthday as a widow.

There were no celebratory gun salutes, usually fired in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London, while the bells of Westminster Abbey, the church where she was married and crowned, also stayed silent.

Instead, the sovereign remained ensconced at home, where she was expected to receive a small coterie of family visitors, likely to include the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, for a private lunch.

Royal sources suggested that even before the Duke’s death, the Queen had not wanted to mark the day in any meaningful way.

She was keen for the focus to be on his 100th birthday celebrations, which would have taken place on June 10, one said.

She may have taken her two new puppies, corgi Muick and dachshund-corgi cross Fergus, for a walk in the Spring sunshine at Frogmore House, where she has sought solace in recent days.

It was claimed on Wednesday that the dogs had been a gift from the Duke of York, 61, who surprised his mother with them when Prince Philip was in hospital in February.

The Queen loves the gardens at Frogmore, which she has described as “wonderfully relaxing”.

In 2018, she echoed the sentiments of Queen Victoria, noting that 150 years ago, her great-great grandmother had described it as a “dear, lovely garden where all is peace and quiet and you only hear the hum of the bees, the singing of the birds.”

While her birthday celebrations remained low key, the Royal family did release a new photograph to mark the occasion, showing the monarch smiling during a visit to the MI5 headquarters at Thames House, London, last February.

It said: HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York.

“This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.”

Boris Johnson also paid tribute to the Queen on social media, writing: “I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The Queen on her 95th birthday.

“I have always had the highest admiration for Her Majesty and her service to this country and the Commonwealth.

“I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister.”

The Royal family will continue to observe a period of mourning until Friday, when the Queen will quietly resume her duties.

As well as receiving her red boxes of government papers, she will likely undertake a handful of engagements by telephone or video call from Windsor.

Her first public engagement is expected to be the state opening of parliament on May 11, when aides have confirmed she will make the traditional speech on behalf of the government.

As has become custom in recent years, she will be accompanied by the Prince of Wales.

The Queen’s official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, which was due to have taken place on June 12, was cancelled in March for the second consecutive year due to the pandemic.

Buckingham Palace has been considering a smaller event within the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in line with last year's ceremony.

Last summer, an event described as a "mini Trooping" was held at Windsor, led by the Welsh Guards and massed Bands of the Household Division, to the clear delight of Her Majesty.

Birthday messages to the Queen

Boris Johnson shared his warm wishes with the Queen on her 95th birthday, saying "I am proud to serve as her Prime Minister".

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added his birthday tribute, adding "I know this birthday will be difficult".

Priti Patel thanked the Queen for her "years of dedicated service to our great nation".

Billie Jean King, former World No. 1 tennis player and emblematic figure of feminism, extended birthday wishes to the Queen and added that she is the only female member of the Royal family to have joined the Armed Services.

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, congratulated the Queen on her 95th birthday and asked for "God's blessings on the years of her reign that are still to come".