The Queen carried these sentimental items in her handbag at Prince Philip’s funeral

The Queen kept Prince Philip's memory alive at his socially-dsitant funeral on Saturday

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen may have looked solitary sitting alone as she bid farewell to Prince Philip on Saturday, but the bereft monarch made sure she was united with her late husband in spirit. 

The Queen may have sat in solitude at Prince Philip's funeral last Saturday, but she wasn't actually alone. 

Her Majesty reportedly kept a couple of special items that reminded her of the Duke of Edinburgh tucked in her handbag throughout his funeral at Windsor Castle, which was attended by just 30 guests due to Covid-19 restrictions. 

The Queen's relationship with Prince Philip on Earth may have ended, but the memories from their 74-year-long marriage are well and truly alive. The 94-year-old monarch carried two sentimental possessions in her purse to comfort her during the distressing occasion and to remind her of happier times with the late duke. 

The first item she chose to accompany her to the service was a photograph of her with Prince Philip in the early days of their marriage. The black-and-white snap is believed to be taken in Malta, where the couple was stationed between 1949 and 1951 during the duke's military service in the Royal Navy. 

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Ian Vogler/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. 

(Image credit: Ian Vogler/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen has described this period as one of the happiest times of her life in the past, as it gave her the rare opportunity to live 'normally'. Detached from her royal bubble in Briain, she had far more control and independence in her day-to-day life. The young princess handled cash, drove cars, and even visited the local salon at their temporary base of Gwardamanġa. This was likely the last taste of true freedom for Elizabeth, who would be coronated as Queen two years later in 1953. 

Her Majesty also took a treasured handkerchief belonging to Prince Philip to the funeral. Designed by the legendary tailors Kent and Haste, the white silk square was always worn by the duke during royal engagements. 

The photo and handkerchief were both stored in the Queen's handbag, which was designed by Launer, one of the monarch's favorite British brands. 

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Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.