The Queen’s important first public duty following mourning period for Prince Philip revealed

The Queen is set to carry out an important first public duty after her official mourning period for her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, comes to an end.

• The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on April 9.
• Since his death, the Her Majesty has entered into a period of official royal mourning but she is set to resume royal duties next month. 
• In other royal news, the Queen's beloved dogs have been a major support to her following Prince Philip's death.

The Queen has described the loss of Prince Philip last week as leaving a “huge void” in her life. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away aged 99 at Windsor Castle and his death has been met with outpourings of support and grief from across the world. He reportedly asked three things of Prince Charles before he died - one of these being to keep an eye on his beloved wife. Having met in a very sweet way in 1939, the monarch continued to “fascinate” and “charm” him after over seven decades of marriage.

Since his sad passing, the couple's grandson Prince William has broken his silence on his grandfather’s death, celebrating his memories of him. William also voiced his belief that Philip would want him to “get on with the job”. 

It has also been suggested that the Queen is determined to fulfill her commitments after the royal mourning period. This will end on April 22, the day after the monarch’s 95th birthday.

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It's thought that senior royals will soon “step up” to support the monarch at future public engagements. 

And it seems that the Queen is intending to make a particularly traditional appearance for her first public duty since losing her husband.  

What is the Queen’s first public duty since Prince Philip’s death?

Perhaps the first duty the Queen will carry out is an appearance at the State Opening of Parliament on May 11th and it’s understood that she is planning to attend. Some have claimed she is set to be accompanied to this important ceremonial event by her eldest son, Prince Charles. 

This event will be even more poignant given that it will mark almost exactly a month since Prince Philip passed away. 

The Duke of Edinburgh used to regularly accompanied his wife for this significant ceremony throughout her reign and rarely missed it prior to his retirement in 2017.  

What is the State Opening of Parliament? 

The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year in the UK. The Queen traditionally leads the Royal Procession through the Royal Gallery to the chamber of the House of Lords and her speech sets out the government's agenda for the coming session. 

However, given the restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK parliament website states that: “it is expected that this year's State Opening will be adapted, with reduced ceremonial elements and attendees to ensure it is COVID-secure.”

Prince Philip was recently described as the “backbone of the royal family” by royal expert Duncan Larcombe during a Facebook Live chat with Woman magazine.

And throughout their decades-long marriage, the Duke of Edinburgh was certainly a source of great support for the Queen.

If reports turn out to be true, the Queen will no doubt appreciate Prince Charles accompanying her when she carries out this important first royal duty since Prince Philip passed away.