Queen ‘missing’ Prince Philip ‘so terribly’ says expert

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This year Her Majesty used her annual Christmas message to pay tribute to her late husband Philip who died in April. In a personal message, the monarch said: “Christmas can be hard for those who have loved ones. This year especially I understand why.” The Queen then described Philip as her “beloved” and admitted she felt his presence over the Christmas period.

The royal was also speaking alongside a photograph of the Duke, which had been taken during the pair’s diamond wedding anniversary 14 years ago.

Meanwhile, the Queen delivered the message wearing the same sapphire brooch that appeared in the photograph.

In 2020 eagle-eyed royal watchers spotted a similar gesture to Philip during the Queen’s final Christmas Day speech before her husband’s death.

That year the monarch delivered her annual address to the nation with a portrait of her husband taking pride of place on the table in front of her.

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Taken from the Queen’s private collection, the portrait showed Philip looking into the distance while wearing a light blue jacket.

The couple’s last Christmas together was spent at Windsor Castle for the first time in over 30 years after the Royal Family’s Christmas plans at Sandringham were scuppered due to a spike in coronavirus cases. 

That year the Queen used her speech to pay tribute to the “spirit” of her subjects after the world faced a year overshadowed by COVID-19.

The monarch said: “In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year, and I am proud and moved by this quiet, indomitable spirit. 

“To our young people in particular I say thank you for the part you have played.”

Her Majesty also paid tribute to the Queen Mother by wearing a diamond and mother of pearl shell brooch, which was designed by Lord Courtauld-Thomas and made in 1919.

It had been left to the Queen Mother by the designer’s sister in 1944, and she then wore it throughout her life including on her 100th birthday. 

The Queen has worn the brooch on a number of occasions including on Remembrance Sunday in 2018 and during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

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Of course, this Christmas much of Her Majesty’s address was in tribute to her “irrepressible” husband of 73 years.

She said: “That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him.

“But life of course consists of final partings as well as first meetings.

“And as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas.”

She also remembered the Duke of Edinburgh’s “capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation.”

Days before the monarch delivered her address the Royal Family announced that a service of thanksgiving would take place in April.

Only 30 guests had been allowed to attend Philip’s funeral service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle due to coronavirus restrictions.

Next year’s service, which will take place around a year after the royal’s death, will consist of family, friends, dignitaries and representatives of charities Philip was associated with. 

A Buckingham Palace statement announced: “The Queen has agreed that a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will take place in the spring of 2022 at Westminster Abbey. 

The guest list is reportedly not yet finalised, while details of the event are to be announced “in due course”.

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