The Queen has lost her protector, but everything they built together lives on
In marrying for love, the Queen pulled off a rebellious feat for a monarch – and forged a terrific team that stood the test of time
9 April 2021 • 7:18pm
The Queen flashes a smile at Prince Philip, during the Trooping the Colour parade in 2009
Credit: PA
If you surprised yourself by shedding a tear – as millions of us did – when you heard that Prince Philip was gone, no small part of that sadness will have been for his widow, our Queen and his beloved wife.
In 62 days, Her Majesty would have been able to send the Duke of Edinburgh a telegram for his 100th birthday. That would have amused them both. (They never stopped laughing together.) If he could possibly have hung on to give her that satisfaction, you just know that he would. For that was his job, always and until his final breath. He was her champion, “my strength and stay all these years,” the Queen called him on their Golden Wedding anniversary. Who will be there for her now he is gone?