Queen Elizabeth Returns to Work Following Prince Philip’s Death

Queen Elizabeth is easing her way back into royal duties following the passing of her husband, Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 on April 9, two months before his 100th birthday. The funeral will be held on April 17 at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle and be televised in the United Kingdom.

On Tuesday, April 13, Queen Elizabeth hosted a retirement ceremony for Lord Chamberlain, Earl Peel, who is the most senior officer in the royal household. She met with Earl Peel at Windsor Castle, according to the Court Circular.

“The Earl Peel had an audience of The Queen today, delivered up his Wand and Insignia of Office as Lord Chamberlain and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Chamberlain, when Her Majesty invested him with the Royal Victorian Chain,” the Court Circular read. Earl Peel will still oversee the funeral of the late prince’s death, People reports.

The news of the prince consort’s passing was announced via a statement from Buckingham Palace. “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” it read. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

It continued, “Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Both Prince William and Prince Harry released statements about their grandfather. “My grandfather was a man of service, honour, and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm—and also because you never knew what he might say next,” Prince Harry wrote. “He was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.”

Prince William’s statement read in part, “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service—to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family. I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life—both through good times and the hardest days.”

Originally Appeared on Glamour