LONDON (AP) – Queen Elizabeth II returned to royal duties four days after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, as preparations for her ceremonial funeral intensified over the weekend.
The 94-year-old British monarch attended a retirement ceremony for a senior royal official on Tuesday, according to the Court’s Circular, the official registration of royal commitments.
The royal family observes two weeks of mourning for Philip, who died on Friday at the age of 99. The palace said members of the royal family would “make commitments appropriate to the circumstances” during the mourning period.
The Queen attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle for Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel, who retired as the highest official of the royal household. He oversaw the arrangements for the funeral of Prince Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, until the surrender of his successor a few days before the Duke’s death.
Philip’s queen and daughter, Princess Anne, made a public appearance on Wednesday, visiting young sailors at the Royal Yacht Squadron sailing club on the Isle of Wight on the south coast of England.
Philip’s funeral will take place on Saturday at Windsor Castle, with participation limited to 30 due to coronavirus restrictions.
The soldiers and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force will participate in the funeral procession, and Philip’s coffin will be transported to St. George’s Chapel from the castle on a specially adapted Land Rover, which he designed himself. .
Since Philip’s death, his four children have paid tribute to him, as have Prince William’s grandchildren and Prince Harry.
Another nephew, Princess Eugenie, paid tribute to her “dear grandfather” on Wednesday, in a post on Instagram. The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, shared with her grandfather memories of “learning how to cook, how to paint, what to read.”
“I remember laughing at your jokes and asking about your spectacular life and services in the Navy,” Eugenie wrote. “I remember incinerating the sausages and you threw yourself to save the day. I remember your hands and your laughter and your favorite beer.
“I will remember you in your children, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren.
“Thank you for your dedication and love for all of us and especially for Grandma, who we will take care of for you.”