The Queen is looking ‘so happy’ as she returns to royal engagements after lockdown because it is what Prince Philip would have wanted, a royal author has claimed.
After months of virtual engagements and a smattering of outings, the Queen, 95, has been ramping up her public schedule in recent days – and has appeared in excellent spirits while doing so.
Last week the monarch attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show – one of her favourite events – four days in a row, after starting the week in Scotland with Prince William and Princess Anne. She also hosted Angela Merkel at Windsor on Friday.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Phil Dampier, who has written about the royal family for 35 years, explained that although the Queen was ‘devastated’ by Prince Philip’s death in April, she has been determined to carry on with public duties because he would not want her to ‘sit around mourning him’.
The Queen is ‘living life to the full’ as she returns to royal engagements after lockdown because it is what Prince Philip would have wanted, a royal author has claimed. Pictured, the Queen watches her horses compete at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday
Phil Dampier explained that although the Queen was ‘devastated’ by Prince Philip’s death in April, she has been determined to carry on with public duties because he would not want her to ‘sit around mourning him’. Pictured, the Queen and Prince Philip in Windsor in June 2020
‘Some might think it is strange that she is so happy so soon after Prince Philip’s death, but I think there is a simple explanation,’ Mr Dampier explained.
‘I’m sure she was devastated by his passing – after all they were married for 73 years. But I’m sure that he told her to enjoy what was left of her own life.
‘He would not want her to sit around mourning him like Queen Victoria did for Albert, and I bet he would want her to carry on living life to the full.
‘Ironically they spent a lot more time together at the end because of lockdown. His death wasn’t unexpected and he had a long and fulfilled life.
‘Like him the Queen is very practical and pragmatic, and she knows he would support her getting out and about.’
The Queen was joined by Sophie Wessex, Prince Edward and Lady Louise Windsor at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, as well as Penny Brabourne, a friend of the family and the Duke of Edinburgh’s trusted confidante.
After months of virtual engagements and a smattering of outings, the Queen, 95, is stepping out more frequently – and appears in excellent spirits while doing so. Pictured, the Queen beams at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday
The monarch put on a jubilant display at the event, smiling and laughing heartily as she joined in the fun.
Mr Dampier continued: ‘It’s been fantastic to see the Queen is such good form in recent weeks. She seems happy and relaxed and it’s a joy to see her smiling face.
‘I think she is just delighted to be out of lockdown like the rest of us, and getting out and about doing the things she loves.
‘She has her social life and you could see how happy she was to be at the Windsor Horse Show, one of her favourite events of the year, four days running.
‘She meets up with old friends and loves to catch up on gossip, as well as spend time with her own family.’
The royal author also noted the important role in-person engagements continue to play in Her Majesty’s public life.
The Queen rounded off a busy day on Friday by hosting Angela Merkel at Windsor Castle
‘She did brilliantly with Zoom and modern technology, but she has always said she needs to be seen to be believed, and that is why she took the royal train to Cornwall and back for the G7, went up to Scotland as usual and met Angela Merkel at Windsor Castle,’ he said.
‘World leaders are in awe of her and just love meeting her as she is a living legend. No-one can match her experience and wisdom and everyone feels better for meeting her.
‘We have seen how other members of the family are now supporting her, with Prince William and Princess Anne on recent visits in Scotland. And we can expect to see more of Edward and Sophie as well as Charles and Camilla with the Queen.
The Queen started the week ins Scotland, where she was joined by Prince William (pictured)
‘She will never abdicate, but slowly the others are taking up the slack.’
The Queen also has the support of a close circle of aides and family members who ensure she is never alone.
‘In private she is never lonely, with her two favourite servants, dresser Angela Kelly and page Paul Whybrew always on hand,’ he explained.
‘They are so close to her they even sometimes sit watching TV with her for company.
Being released from lockdown seems to have given the Queen new energy, and at 95 she has a truly remarkable zest and enthusiasm, making every day a new adventure.’