Queen Elizabeth has returned to work four days after the death of her husband Prince Philip. The 94-year-old monarch returned to work putting her grief aside to host the retirement ceremony for the former Lord Chamberlain, Earl Peel, on Tuesday.
The Queen hosted a retirement ceremony at Windsor Castle in honor of Earl Peel who retired from his role as the royal family’s senior aide, a post he had held for 14 years. He retired a week before Prince Philip, 99, died, according to 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,” the daily record of public duties of the British monarchy says.
Sunrise Royal Editor Rob Robson said the Queen’s return to her official role so soon after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh typifies her deep sense of duty and service.
The former M15 spy Chief Baron Andrew Parker is set to take over Peel’s duties.
The Lord Chamberlain position oversees all senior appointments of the senior royal family, facilitates communication between the sovereign and the House of Lords and co-ordinates engagements between Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
Meanwhile arrangements to give Prince Philip an environmentally friendly funeral are underway. Palace officials have looked into using a coffin made of wool for the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away last Friday.
His body will be transported for the service at Windsor Castle on Saturday in an electric Land Rover at 3 p.m UK time and will be broadcast live.
