The Queen’s final note to beloved husband Prince Philip revealed

The first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8th will be commemorated by members of the royal family. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will reflect on the late Queen’s unwavering dedication to her family, the nation, and the Commonwealth during this solemn occasion. As we look back, it’s worth revisiting the Queen’s last written words to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021.

During Prince Philip’s funeral on April 17th, 2021, Queen Elizabeth II placed a wreath atop his coffin, accompanied by a heartfelt note that appeared to read: “In loving memory, Elizabeth.” This simple yet poignant message encapsulated the depth of their enduring love and the profound loss the Queen experienced upon her husband’s passing.

The wreath itself held great significance, serving as a final tribute from the Queen to her lifelong companion. Its placement on the coffin was a touching gesture, symbolizing the Queen’s enduring affection and respect for the man who had been by her side for over seven decades.

The card accompanying the wreath from Queen Elizabeth II for Prince Philip’s funeral adhered to the royal family’s mourning traditions, being handwritten and edged in black. The wreath itself featured a poignant selection of white flowers, including lilies, roses, freesias, wax flowers, sweet peas, and jasmine.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away at the age of 99 on April 9th, shared a remarkable 73-year marriage with the Queen. Together, they were devoted parents to four children: King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

In a touching final tribute, the Queen left a heartfelt message for her late husband. Their love story began when the young Princess Elizabeth, then the heiress to the British throne, met the dashing war hero Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. After their wedding on November 20, 1947, the smitten Princess described her husband in letters as “an angel” and “the best and nicest man in the world.”

The comments made by Philip ahead of his wedding to Queen Elizabeth II provide insightful perspectives. He humbly acknowledged his good fortune, stating, “I am sure that I do not deserve all the good things that have happened to me… to have fallen in love, completely and unreservedly.” This sentiment reflects his appreciation for the remarkable circumstances that led to their union.

Philip also shed light on the nature of their relationship prior to marriage. In a conversation with biographer Basil Boothroyd, he explained, “We used to correspond occasionally. You see, it’s difficult to visualise. I suppose if I’d just been a casual acquaintance, it would all have been frightfully significant. But if you’re related – I mean I knew half the people here, they were all relations – it isn’t so extraordinary to be on kind of family-relationship terms with somebody. You don’t necessarily have to think about marriage.” This statement highlights the familiarity and familial connections that existed between them initially.

Furthermore, Philip provided insights into the gradual progression of their relationship, stating, “I suppose one thing led to another. I suppose I began to think about it seriously, oh, let me think now, when I got back in ’46 and went to Balmoral.” This timeline suggests that his intentions towards marriage solidified after his return from service in 1946 and during their time together at Balmoral.

During the wedding ceremony itself, a notable detail was the Queen’s solitary presence, as Philip mentioned, “The Queen sat by herself during the service.” This observation underscores the significance of the occasion and the unique circumstances surrounding their union.

The passage provides insights into the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It suggests that their engagement was discussed and finalized after Philip’s trip to South Africa. At their golden wedding anniversary in 1997, the Queen expressed her deep appreciation for Philip, describing him as her “strength and stay” throughout their marriage.

Notably, the Queen spent her final days without Philip, who had passed away in 2021. While she expressed sadness at his absence, she found comfort in the tributes acknowledging Philip’s “extraordinary impact.” The passage conveys the enduring bond and mutual support that characterized the Queen and Prince Philip’s long-lasting marriage.