The Queenof England will be without her husband Prince Philip for the first time in seven decades when she celebrates her 95th birthday this week.
The widowed monarch will turn 95 on Wednesday, and to mark her birthday a new portrait of her which was to be released won’t be out again as she continues to grieve for her husband of 73 years.
A source told The Mirror: ‘The Queen will not be alone. ‘She will have others who care about her deeply and want to be there to support her in her most pressing hour.
‘In typical fashion, the Queen has insisted she is coping and despite the suggestion she had prepared herself for this day to come, everyone is well aware there is nothing like the experience when it comes.’
It comes after the Queen was reported to have said she was ‘coping’ after the Duke of Edinburgh’s death. She was seen on Sunday driving out of Windsor Castle in a green Jaguar wearing a headscarf.
The plan to support her was reportedly formed by the senior female royals, including Princess Anne, Kate Middleton, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, and Sophie the Countess of Wessex.
There also reports that Prince Harry may stay for the Queen’s birthday, instead of heading back to the US straight away to pregnant wife Meghan Markle as was expected.
Another source told The Sun: ‘If all goes well, he could stay for the Queen’s birthday.’