Queen ‘spent most of last week alone’ grieving Prince Philip

Palace insiders say the monarch wanted to take some time to herself so she could pray in private.

Queen Elizabeth has spent much of the last week alone grieving the death of her late husband Prince Philip.

Palace insiders say the monarch wanted to take some time to herself so she could pray in private.

Although she has spoken to her children and grandchildren, she has spent most of her time alone since the Duke of Edinburgh’s death last Friday aged 99.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, royal reporter Richard Kay said: ‘This has been her choice and it has allowed her to have moments of prayer in the private chapel, barely a minute’s walk down the Green Corridor from her rooms, where Philip’s coffin has rested.

‘In time there will be activity in the suite of rooms which adjoins her as an inventory is compiled of her husband’s property, uniforms and clothes.’

It comes as the Queen arrived at St George’s Chapel in Winsor Castle for her husband’s funeral.

The service began at 3pm on Saturday with a national minute’s silence.

The Queen had to sit alone and wear a face mask due to Covid restrictions.

The scaled-down event is being led by the Dean of Windsor, alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, with just 30 guests which is the maximum allowed under current lockdown rules.

The Queen was thought to have paused for reflection for a silent moment when she first saw Prince Philip’s hearse and coffin.

It marked the very last time that the Queen had a moment alone with her late husband, who she was married to for 73 years.

The couple are said to have spent their last weeks ‘reminiscing like mad’, sifting through family photographs and old cine camera film which the duke had digitised.

According to Kay they mostly just chatted after Philp’s return from hospital when his failing health meant he slept for much of the day.

The pandemic brought the pair closer together as they had to sheild at Windsor Castle.

Before hand, they would go for long periods without seeing each other as when the duke retired from royal duties, he was living alone at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.

Philp’s ‘unwavering loyalty’ to the Queen will be remembered at his funeral.

Ahead of the service the monarch paid her own personal tribute to her husband, sharing one of her favourite unseen pictures of her and Philip smiling in the sun on holiday in the Scottish highlands.

The royal couple were pictured as they are rarely seen – relaxing together away from public duties and enjoying the stunning scenery.

The Queen is not expected to abdicate in light of Philip’s death and has ‘vowed to carry on until her life is over.’

‘He always said she must carry on and I am sure that is exactly what she will do,’ a a lady in waiting said.

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