The Queen has spoken out for the first time since the death of her husband with a heartfelt message to members of the public.
She used her 95th birthday to thank people for their kindness and support over the past few days. The statement read: "I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.
"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."
She signed it 'Elizabeth R'.
The Royal Family's official Instagram account also marked the day by posting a throwback photo of the Queen visiting MI5's headquarters in February 2020.
The caption read: "Today is The Queen's 95th birthday. The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. This year Her Majesty remains at Windsor Castle, during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."
She is spending a low key birthday as Windsor, and has said she will be spending the day walking her dogs.
