Queen issues touching message on her birthday
Wednesday marked the 95th birthday of Queen Elizabeth.
However, due to the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, the royal family’s official time of mourning is still happening.
While this birthday may be marred by tragedy, Her Majesty has still taken the time to send out a personal message of thanks for the support she has received.
"I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate," the Queen said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.
"While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
"My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life."
The Queen's birthday this year has surely been a somber one, as there were no bells ringing at Westminster Abbey, no gun salutes and no new photo released to mark her milestone 95th birthday.
The Royal Family social media accounts did share a photo of Queen Elizabeth from February 2020, however.
The Queen can be seen smiling in a burgundy coat that she pairs with a floral dress.
The image was taken when the royal attended a secret visit to London's MI5 Headquarters last year.
"Today is The Queen's 95th birthday,” the caption read.
"HM [Her Majesty] was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York.
"This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."
The 95-year-old will spend her special day being visited by family members and walking her dogs, including her two new puppies that she was gifted by her son Prince Andrew.