Queen returns to royal duties four days after Prince Philip’s death for this important reason

The Queen has returned to royal duties just four days after losing her beloved husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, court records have revealed.

• Her Majesty is understood to have hosted a ceremony which saw Earl Peel formally stand down as Lord Chamberlain.
• This was the Queen’s first in-person event since Prince Philip passed away last week.
• In other royal news, Prince Harry is concerned about being in the UK alone for Prince Philip's funeral.

The Queen has carried out her first in-person royal duty since Prince Philip passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle has week. The Duke of Edinburgh, whom the Queen first met in the sweetest way, was once described by his wife as her “strength and stay”. Following the sad announcement of his death, Her Majesty has spoken of the “huge void” his loss has left in her life. The couple were married for over seven decades and Prince Philip was still “fascinated” and “charmed” with the Queen throughout their long years together.

So steadfast was he in his support of the monarch, that it’s thought that keeping an eye on her was one of the three things he asked of son Prince Charles before his death. Echoing this, Philip’s grandson Prince William has now also broken his silence with a touching photo tribute. In the caption, William spoke of how he knew his grandfather would want him to “get on with the job” and support the Queen. 

This is something the Royal Family appear to be taking seriously, as reports have suggested they will “step up” to accompany the Queen on future royal engagements. Now she has undertaken the first of these since losing her husband, just four days after he passed away.

More from woman&home:

• Best air purifiers - improve air quality in your home with our pick of the top models
• Best pillow - for a comfortable, pain-free night’s sleep whether you’re a back, side or stomach snoozer
• Best blenders - make smoothies, soups, sauces and desserts with blenders for every budget

What was the Queen’s first engagement since Prince Philip’s death?

As reported by The Sun, the Court Circular, which records official engagements undertaken by the royals, has revealed that Her Majesty was visited by the Earl Peel yesterday.

It said: “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 Earl Peel has overseen the arrangements for Prince Philip’s funeral, known as Operation Forth Bridge. Though he handed over responsibility to his successor former MI5 spy chief, Baron Parker, just a few weeks ago.

The Lord Chamberlain oversees all senior appointments in the royal household and acts as a channel of communication between the sovereign and House of Lords, as well as coordinating between Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

The retirement of such an important member of the Royal Household was certainly a significant one for the Queen to attend, despite her period of mourning.

How long is the Queen in mourning for Prince Philip?

The Royal Family have strict mourning rules and the Queen is currently in a two-week period of royal mourning for Prince Philip. This is set to end on April 22, the day after her 95th birthday. 

All members of the Royal family will be expected to wear black or dark clothes, or a black armband if wearing a military uniform. 

The UK’s eight days of national mourning will continue until the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on April 17.