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National

Queen undertakes first duties since death of Prince Philip as funeral preparations continue

The Queen is in mouning after losing Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years. (AP: Chris Jackson)

The Queen has undertaken her first royal duties since the death of her husband Prince Philip, although the royal family as a whole remains in a state of mourning.

The Royal family's activities have been limited following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at age 99 on Friday.

But official protocol says members of the royal family will continue to conduct official duties "appropriate to the circumstances".

Buckingham Palace says black mourning bands will be worn by members of the royal family where appropriate, though does not say they must wear black.

According to the Court Circular, which publishes the official activities of senior royals, the Queen hosted the outgoing Lord Chamberlain in a ceremony where he stood down.

It is not known what dress standards the Queen observed during the ceremony on Tuesday.

The UK is in a state of national mourning after Prince Philip's death was announced. (Reuters: Hannah McKay)

The ceremony was a formality after William Peel, the Earl Peel, who held the position, retired at the end of March.

The Court Circular also detailed a call the Queen took from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday April 10, one day after her husband's death.

William cancelled BAFTAs, some duties still allowed

During a private service with family over the weekend, the Queen described how Prince Philip's death had left a "huge void" in her life.

Other royal family members have been given licence to attend engagements "where appropriate", though there have been cancellations in the wake of Prince Philip's death.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, had been due to speak at the BAFTAs on Sunday night UK time, but pulled out after his grandfather's death was announced.

However, in a statement, the Duke said he hoped to return to public life soon.

"I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job," he said.

It comes amid preparations for Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday.

Prince Harry, who stepped back from his royal duties last year, has returned to the country and is undertaking a limited form of quarantine ahead of the funeral.

His wife Meghan will not attend, having remained in the US, citing medical advice relating to her pregnancy.

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