Advertisement

Queen Elizabeth returns to work four days after Philip's death

The Queen has reportedly returned to royal duties just four days after her husband Prince Philip's death, for the retirement of a senior staffer.

According to UK media outlets, her Majesty held an in-person engagement at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, even though the royal family is currently observing the traditional 14-days of mourning, which began the day Philip died on Friday April 9.

the queen
The Queen has hosted a private ceremony. Photo: Getty

Queen Elizabeth II hosted a ceremony at Windsor Castle for her household's most senior official, Earl Peel, who formally stood down as Lord Chamberlain after 14 years.

Earl Peel had overseen arrangements for the duke's funeral, known as Operation Forth Bridge, before handing responsibility to his successor Baron Parker, shortly before Prince Philip died.

The Lord Chamberlain's Office is involved in all senior appointments in the royal household. It is also the channel of communication between the sovereign and the House of Lords and helps coordinate things between Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

RELATED:

The official engagement was recorded in the Court Circular: "The Earl Peel had an audience of The Queen today, delivered up his Wand and Insignia of Office as Lord Chamberlain and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Chamberlain, when Her Majesty invested him with the Royal Victorian Chain."

Princess Anne has also reportedly resumed her official duties, as some royal engagements can proceed during the period of mourning, the BBC explains.

Anne joined the Royal College of Emergency Medicine's Spring Conference via video link, in her role as the organisation's patron.

The rest of the UK is under an eight-day mourning period which ends the day of Prince Philip's funeral, April 17.

prince philip
Prince Philip's funeral is on April 17. Photo: Getty

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.