Duty will call again quickly

Dickie Arbiter

Watching Prince Philip’s coffin being lowered down into the floor of St George’s Chapel was moving.

It was a very poignant moment, which would have been extremely difficult for the Queen.

It gives finality on death, whoever we are, and was her final chance to see and say goodbye to her beloved husband.

The Queen has lost her companion, the man she described as her “strength and stay” and who she could always talk to and seek advice from.

She will feel a tremendous loss, which was all the more visible yesterday due to Covid-19 rules forcing her to sit on her own.

However, she will also take great comfort in the service, which was powerful in its simplicity.

It went exactly as Prince Philip would have wanted, just as he planned it and was a great tribute to him and his life.

Watching the service, my mind was drawn back to times I spent with him and the Queen.

It was always a joy to see them side by side – particularly in private, when they could relax together away from their duties.

They were a wonderful couple.

The Queen fell in love at first sight with Philip 82 years ago.

As pictures of them together on their 73rd wedding anniversary last year showed, they never fell out of love.

They had an incredible connection and that was the magic of their relationship.

Going forward, the Queen will fulfil her duties alone and with other family members, as she has done for several years now.

Her work will help her to carry on during what is one of the most difficult moments of her life.

She will want to get back to it as soon as she is able as she thrives on meeting people and carrying out her duties.

It is her life.