The Queen Smiles As She Holds First Engagement Since Husband Philip’s Funeral Online

Apr 27, 2021

Queen Elizabeth II has done her very first engagement since the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip. Philip's funeral on April 17, 2021, was a quiet affair with only 30 people in attendance due to the coronavirus restrictions. Generally, a man of Philips's stature would have received a state funeral with a minimum of 800 people in attendance, but this could not happen due to the ongoing pandemic. The guestlist of 30 people only comprised of the closest royal family members, which naturally included all of Philip's children and many of his grandchildren.
Philip's passing ended his reign as the longest-serving royal spouse, having served alongside Queen Elizabeth II for 65 years and having been married to the monarch for 73 years in total. His singular and incredible life continues to be remembered and celebrated by his family.
Not only did the queen have to deal with Prince Philip's passing, just a few a weeks after, on April 21, the queen celebrated her 95th birthday. The birthday was a bittersweet moment, as Elizabeth was solidified as the fourth-longest reigning monarch, but this was also the queen's very first birthday without her husband.

After lots of grieving both within the royal family and across the globe, the queen has finally been seen smiling at her first engagement since Philip's death. However, due to the pandemic, it's to no surprise that the queen isn't out and about in public, but rather, smiling from behind her computer on Zoom.

Read on to learn more about the queen's first engagement since her husband's passing.

Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021, and was laid to rest in the Royal Vault at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17, 2021. The late prince was buried alongside former kings of England and other royals, the Associated Press reported. Images from inside the funeral, where only a select group of 30 people could attend due to coronavirus restrictions, showed Elizabeth sitting alone in the chapel. The queen was said to be heartbroken after losing her “strength and stay.”

Queen Elizabeth celebrated her birthday without her beloved husband Prince Philip for the first time in her nearly seven-decade reign. She turned 95 years old on April 21, 2021, and this year's celebration was very small, with a "quiet lunch," as reported by The Telegraph. Her Majesty spent the day at Windsor surrounded by her staff of 20, who have been dubbed "HMS Bubble."

An official stated the royal family was observing two weeks of so-called royal mourning, which began after Prince Philip passed away on April 9. It was no doubt a mournful birthday for the queen which was made even more somber by the current global situation. Usually honored with a gun salute, this year's celebration was much more lowkey considering the circumstances. June's Trooping the Colour event was also canceled, marking only the third time in her reign that the parade hasn't taken place.

Philip's passing marked the end of an era in the royal family. The stalwart partnership of Elizabeth and Philip was, in many, the face of an enduring and strong royal family, and without Philip by the queen's side, there is a deep sense of loss for the family members as well as the nation.

While Queen Elizabeth II has resumed work after her Philip's death, many royal experts believe that she may slowly but surely relegate the main duties to Prince Charles and Prince William and take a step back. However, the queen was recently spotted at her very first engagement since Philip's passing. Given the pandemic, her majesty was not seen in public, but rather on Zoom.

According to The Sun, the queen was featured on Zoom for virtual audiences from Windsor Castle today afternoon. No longer in her black mourning clothes, the queen was seen donning a pale blue dress with a vibrant and colorful floral print. Her accessories included her iconic three-strand pearl necklace along with her diamond brooch. The widow was seen smiling from ear to ear on the screen as she hosted virtual audiences along with the ambassador from the Republic of Latvia, and the ambassador from the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire who were tuning in from Buckingham Palace. 

In terms of in-person royal duties, the queen held an event on April 13 as Earl Peel was relinquishing his role as Lord Chamberlain. Just one day later, her majesty welcomed the new Lord Chamberlain, Baron Parker, who had overseen Philip's funeral, at another Windsor ceremony. However, according to The Sun, no photos were taken at either of these events. 

Although the queen was not out roaming about in the public, Buckingham Palace still considers audiences — even Zoom or other online audiences — as official public engagements. The events are even listed in the court circular. 

Isn't it great to see the queen smiling again after such somber times? What kind of engagement do you think the queen will do next? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to pass this on to your friends and family so they don't miss out on the queen's sweet smile!