Queen Elizabeth II to be Accompanied by Senior Members of the Royal Family at Future Engagements Following Prince Philip’s Death

Buckingham Palace made a statement on Friday, 9th April, announcing the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99.

The Queen's long-time partner and beloved husband was described as an irreplaceable member of the family.

The Duke of Edinburgh famously left the Royal Navy to serve as the Queen's royal consort, serving for the longest term in British history.

At the time of his passing, he had stood by her side for over 60 years.

During a church service on Sunday, Prince Andrew, the Queen's second son, spoke to the media and well-wishers about his mother's personal feelings following the loss of her husband.

He revealed that the Queen, who is known for being incredibly stoic, described Prince Philip's passing as a miracle and acknowledged that it had left a huge void in her life.

However, the family is rallying around to support her during this enormous change.

Reports suggest that senior members of the royal family will accompany the Queen at future public engagements to ensure she is not alone after losing her husband of 73 years.

Those who will be by her side include the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne.

According to the Daily Mail, the Queen's dedication to duty is undiminished, and while the Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable, the family is working together to fill the void he has left behind.

The long-term plan has always been to have a member of the Royal Family with her whenever possible or appropriate, and it seems sensible to start employing this now.

Senior officials and members of the family have recognized the need to ensure that the Queen receives more support in the future.

One source said, “If one parent dies, the children, and in this case grandchildren, all step up and fill in in different ways.

No single individual could ever take the place of the Duke of Edinburgh, but just maybe all of them coming together will fill some of the space he has left behind.”

Another source added, “The Queen really values the support of her family and doesn't take it for granted.

We will see senior family members take up more investitures and some of the more physically burdensome duties the Queen has, as well as going out and about with her when she leaves a Royal residence.”

The Queen is set to return to work after Prince Philip's funeral, and she will oversee the state opening of Parliament next month.

Sources have confirmed that the monarch still plans to attend the ceremonial event and deliver her annual Queen's Speech to MPs on May 11, accompanied by her son Charles.

She has overseen almost every single opening of Parliament since taking the throne in 1952, except on two occasions.

In 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Andrew and then Edward, respectively, the Queen missed the event.

The Duke had accompanied her to all of them before his retirement from public duty in 2018, except once a year earlier when he was in the hospital.

The loss of Prince Philip has undoubtedly left a huge void in the Queen's life, but the Royal Family is determined to support her during this difficult time.

While no one can replace the Duke of Edinburgh, the family is working together to ensure that the Queen is not alone and that she receives the support she needs to continue her duties as the monarch of the United Kingdom.