Queen Elizabeth Breaks Her Silence With First Public Statement Since Prince Philip’s Death

It has been one week since Prince Philip, the 99 year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, sadly passed away at Windsor Castle. Now, the 94 year-old Queen has broken her silence to issue her first public statement. 

Amazingly – and yet not unsurprisingly – Queen Elizabeth’s first statement is a show of compassion for others.

Queen Elizabeth’s First Public Statement Following Prince Philip’s Passing

The Queen issued a statement obtained by Fox News to express her support for the people from the Commonwealth country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines after the island nation experienced some serious volcanic activity this past week. 

Around 20% of the Caribbean island’s inhabitants have been displaced by the eruptions so far. The UN warns this humanitarian crisis could last more than six months.

Most notably, the newly widowed Queen addressed the public as “I” in her statement.

“I have been saddened by the destruction and major disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in recent days, and my thoughts are with the many people and families who have been evacuated from their homes, and whose livelihoods have been affected,” the Queen said.

“I send my thanks to the emergency services and all those involved in the relief effort,” she added. “My prayers will remain with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at this very difficult time.” 

The statement is a sad reminder of Philip’s death, as the Queen previously began most of her statements with, “The Duke of Edinburgh and I.”

Related: Prince William And Kate Explained Prince Philip’s Death To Children In A Brilliant Way

Prince Philip’s Passing 

The Queen and Philip were married for 73 years before he died last week just two months shy of his 100th birthday. 

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Yesterday, the palace released another statement thanking the public for the support they’ve shown the Queen. 

“Her Majesty and the royal family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of the Duke in celebration of his life,” the statement read. “The tributes received from young and old are truly a testament to the remarkable life and lasting endeavours of His Royal Highness.”

The Queen Is Touched By The Outpouring Of Support

The Queen herself is said to be very touched by all the well-wishes she’s received from people from around the world in the wake of Prince Philip’s passing. 

“Elizabeth has found it cathartic to soak up all the well-wishes and tributes to the man she loved unconditionally for countless decades,” a royal surge told US Weekly. “Seeing how many lives he touched has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Another source said that the Queen and her family have been comforted by the fact that Philip passed away “very peacefully” at home.

“The whole family got a lot of comfort in knowing that he and Her Majesty got to be together in the sanctuary of Windsor Castle,” this insider explained. “Spending time with Elizabeth, communicating with other loved ones, reading and relaxing in his home environment meant everything to Philip.”

Tomorrow will be a difficult day for the Queen, as Philip’s funeral is set to be held in St. George’s Chapel.

Related: Prince Harry Not Walking With William At Prince Philip’s Funeral Will Cap Off His Awkward Homecoming

Right now Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, and all the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines could use our prayers.