Queen Elizabeth's birthday message

Queen Elizabeth shared a sad message on her birthday

Queen Elizabeth turned 95 years old on the 21st of April in what was an unusually muted day of celebrations for the monarch's birthday.

As we know, there would be no major fanfare this year, not only because of the ongoing pandemic but largely due to Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip's sad passing last week.

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral was a muted affair that didn't have the usual amount of traditions and pomp that we typically see with Royal events. The pandemic meant the service would have to be hugely scaled-down, and Queen Elizabeth's birthday was no different.

Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth reportedly spent the day surrounded by close family and was happy to forego any major celebrations. 

She shared a heartfelt message to social media for her followers to see that touched on the difficult period she's going through, while also thanking everyone for their messages of support. 

She said 

I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate. 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. My family and I would like to thank you all for 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.