The Queen has returned to royal duties just four days after the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The monarch, who turns 95-years-old in a few days time, hosted a retirement ceremony at Windsor for one of her departing senior aides.
A ceremony was held in honour of former Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel on Tuesday.
The Lord Chamberlain is the Head of Her Majesty’s working Household. Earl Peel himself played an instrumental role in the planning and preparation of ‘Operation Forth Bridge’ – the top secret funeral arrangements in place for Prince Philip.
Earl Peel retires from his royal role after 14 years of service. He has been replaced by Lord Parker, formerly the UK most senior British intelligence officer and Director General of MI5.
The Queen’s return to royal duties to host a retirement ceremony should not come as a surprise.
Her Majesty has a deep sense of public duty and takes the words said on her 21st birthday with the upmost seriousness.
In a speech on turning 21, the then Princess Elizabeth said: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
The United Kingdom has entered a period of Royal Mourning. As such, all public duties have been cancelled until after Prince Phlip’s funeral on Saturday.
