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Queen Elizabeth II is thought to be dealing with the death of Prince Philip, her husband of more than 70 years, by remaining “as steady and as calm as possible,” her former press secretary has said.
Following the news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing on Friday at the age of 99, the Queen’s former press secretary, Charles Anson, has claimed that the monarch will be coping with the loss by remaining calm, an emotion that comes to her naturally and through experience, and that she would have already prepared herself for the inevitable moment.
“She would have thought about this moment several times, and her way would be to remain as steady and as calm as possible,” Anson told People. “That comes naturally to her through her temperament and her experience.”
Anson, who worked for the Queen in the 1990s, also reflected on his firsthand experience witnessing the monarch’s calm disposition, telling the outlet: “In my years of working for her she was always calm, no matter what was going on,” before adding: “But for any human being, this is a very cathartic moment.”
While speaking with People, the former press secretary to the Queen also opened up about Prince Philip’s devotion to his wife of 73 years, revealing that despite some difficulties their long marriage was filled “with a great deal of happiness” and that the late royal took his role as the husband of the Queen “very seriously”.
Anson spoke highly of Prince Philip while speaking to CNN as well, with the former royal staffer describing the Duke of Edinburgh as having been “committed to supporting the Queen on every occasion, whether it’s a happy one or a more difficult task with members of the family or a sad occasion”.
The Duke of Edinburgh died just months before his 100th birthday in June, with the royal family releasing a statement Friday that read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Following her husband’s death, the Queen will enter an eight-day mourning period, during which she will not carry out any royal duties, which will be followed by an additional 30-day mourning period by the royal family.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, which will likely be significantly smaller than it would have been due to the ongoing pandemic, is expected to take place at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel after the initial eight-day period.
As for whether the 94-year-old monarch will be open about her grief, Anson told Vanity Fair that he expects she will be “very private” but that it will show on the day of Prince Philip’s funeral.
“It will show on the day itself, but inside the Queen is very strong and she will, I’m sure, draw on her faith to get her through this,” he said.
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