DUTY BEFORE GRIEF-The Queen's courageous return

HER MAJESTY’S HONOURING THE DUKE AS HE WOULD HAVE WISHED

- Judy Kean

She’s only recently lost the love of her life, the man who had been by her side for 74 years of marriage. So, the Queen could be forgiven for taking an extended period of time to mourn the sad loss of her husband Prince Philip, who she described as “her rock”.

But the monarch’s unwavering dedication to duty means she wasn’t going to miss an important state occasion, even if her grief is still raw.

Last week, Her Majesty put aside her own feelings to attend her first public engagement, the State Opening of Parliament, even though it has only been five weeks since Philip passed away, aged 99, at Windsor Castle.

She cut a lonely figure as she sat on the throne in the House of Lords to read her keynote speech, outlining the government’s plans for the year. She wore a coat and hat instead of ceremonial robes and crown – in fact, she has not worn the bejewelled Imperial State Crown since she turned 90 as it is now too heavy for her.

The consort’s throne, which normally sits beside her, was removed due to social distancing rules. Philip had not accompanied her to the ceremonial event since 2016; instead, Prince Charles, 72, has stood in for his father, and he and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 73, sat off to one side for this year’s opening.

But the occasion, and the missing chair, must still have been a poignant reminder to the Queen of what she has lost, and it would not be surprising if her mind was filled with memories of the thousands of times her husband was by her side as she carried out her official duties over the years.