No Philip as Queen blows out candles

LONDON: The Queen has marked her 95th birthday by sharing a message to the world, thanking the public for their “support and kindness” after the death of her husband, Prince Philip.

In a rare statement posted to social media, the monarch thanked well wishers from around the world for their messages of condolence as she hailed the Duke of Edinburgh’s “extraordinary life”.

It was the Queen’s first statement since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9 at the age of 99.

“While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world,” the Queen (pictured) said in her statement, which was signed Elizabeth R.

“My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”

The Queen was spotted driving through Windsor on her birthday, reportedly on her way to take her dogs for a walk as she marked the day without her “strength and stay” of 73 years.

The Queen was pictured leaving Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar car after the “low-key” birthday celebrations.

Royals have reportedly agreed a roster to visit the Queen in coming days to ensure that she is not left alone. Princess Anne and Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were reported to be among the first visitors.