Queen ‘moves out of Buckingham Palace, writes on black-rimmed paper and collects mementos’ as she mourns Prince Philip
THE Queen has moved out of Buckingham Palace and is writing on black-rimmed paper as she mourns Prince Philip, it's reported.
Her Majesty is also said to have allotted mementos from her husband to members of the Royal Family, including their children and grandchildren, following his death.
🔵 Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
Windsor Castle is now set to be the Queen's new permanent home, although she will still spend Christmases at Sandringham and summers in Balmoral,
She will work at Buckingham Palace, but is unlikely to ever stay there overnight again as the Queen's reign changes in a new era for the royals.
Boris Johnson may have to travel to Windsor for the prime minister's weekly audiences with the Queen, 94, once Covid restrictions ease.
Prince Charles could assume some of the Queen's duties, including meeting ambassadors and high commissioners at Buckingham Palace, under plans for a 'soft regency'.
Charles and Prince William are are said to have taken on more of the Queen's roles following Philip's death, aged 99.
It comes as:
- Queen arrives at Prince Philip’s funeral on ‘her saddest day’ as his coffin is moved into chapel
- Prince Harry stands apart from William at Philip’s funeral as he’s seen in Britain for first time since Oprah interview
- Britain pauses for national minute’s silence to honour Prince Philip on day of mourning
- Absent Meghan Markle leaves handwritten note to Prince Philip as family gather to say goodbye
- Queen’s special relationship with Prince Andrew proven once again as she seats him in prime spot for Philip funeral
- Meghan Markle watches Prince Philip’s funeral on live-stream from US with Archie after doctors said she couldn’t attend
Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall took on on the first royal engagement this year, visiting the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham in February.
But there are no plans for the Queen to step aside and allow her eldest son to take over as regent.
Meanwhile, Charles and William are also said to have held 'bridge meetings' with senior palace staff to discuss the Queen's royal life after Philip's death.
QUEEN'S MOURNING
Charles is helping run the Duchy of Lancaster, the private estate owned by the Queen to provide her with an independent income.
Philip's "unwavering loyalty" to the Queen and "courage, fortitude and faith" will be hailed at his funeral this afternoon.
The Duke of Edinburgh stood by the monarch's side for more than 70 years, dedicating his life to the nation and service.
He will now be laid to rest at St George's Chapel in Windsor this afternoon, with the Royal Family gathering to bid farewell to the Queen's "rock".
For at least a month, the Queen will write on black-edged paper for her correspondenc royal correspondence.
The royal tradition was followed after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
A bulging bag holding letters of condolences from wellwishers is growing every day, the Daily Mail rerports.
The Queen will will also dress in black during her period of court mourning for her husband.
COUPLE 'BICKERED SWEETLY'
Following Philip's death at the age of 99, an inventory of his property, uniforms and clothes is due to be undertaken, it's reported.
A source told The Daily Mail: "'I think she [the Queen] will want to keep a lot of familiar things in place which seems only natural."
And another source said: "He always said she must carry on and I am sure that is exactly what she will do".
During Covid lockdown, the royal couple were cocooned in 'HMS Bubble' at Windsor Castle.
But living together with the monarch’s reduced household during the pandemic brought Prince Philip and the Queen closer than they had been for years, it's reported.
One palace aide told The Daily Mail: "They bickered with one another.
"It was sweet but so unexpected. On one occasion I heard the duke say 'Oh do shut up you silly woman' and the Queen replied 'I am not a silly woman, I am the Queen!'
"I couldn't believe my ears but I was told this was how they always were with one another."
Last night, The Queen shared a candid photograph of herself and Prince Philip on the Scottish Highlands before she bids a final farewell to her husband of 73 years.
Taken by Prince Edward's wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex in 2003, the image shows the royal couple smiling while relaxing in the sunshine.
However, the funeral will still follow Prince Philip's wishes - and hail his "courage, fortitude and faith".
The Queen will also pause at his coffin to bid her husband of more than seven decades farewell as he is laid to rest.
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No members of the Royal Family will read lessons or give readings at the funeral and there will be no eulogy.
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Her Majesty will also be sitting alone during the funeral due to strict coronavirus rules.
Members of the Royal Family will have to be at least two metres apart during the service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
