Queen Elizabeth has a lot going on right now. Tomorrow, she will celebrate Trooping the Colour, her official birthday celebration. It will be bittersweet to see someone besides Prince Philip standing by her side for the first time.
Reports indicate that the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent, will join her at the celebration. The Queen continues to mourn the loss of her husband, who would have turned 100 on June 10.
Queen Elizabeth has no choice but to press on, but it's clear that it's been hard for her to do so without the love of her life.
Queen Elizabeth may have many celebrations in her future, but she's moving through them with a heavy heart. June 10 would have been Prince Philip's 100th birthday, and the Queen continues to mourn his death heavily.
The Queen spent the day in "quiet remembrance," according to royal sources. It's believed that she's been leaning a lot on family and friends as she navigates her life in this new way. All the while, she is committed to continuing to serve as monarch.
"I always felt that she was never knocked off course," a royal insider told People.
"It's her way to remain as steady as possible."
The Queen has kept herself busy with virtual church services, long walks on the grounds of Windsor Castle with her dogs, and video calls with her family.
Queen Elizabeth has resumed her day-to-day schedule, although many of her visits with foreign and domestic dignitaries remain virtual. Both family and staff are supporting these efforts, knowing the Duke of Edinburgh would have wanted her to press on.
"She understands that she has a job to do, and [Philip] would have wanted her to crack on," another source noted.
"She loves to work. She is never idle. She is making a deliberate point that she is still on top of her game."
The Queen will shortly make a return to more in-person events as the Platinum Jubilee approaches. Supporting her are fellow working senior royals Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
"Her family will be by her side," the source notes.
Despite a great deal of rumors and speculation, there are no indications Queen Elizabeth will retire. "There is no consideration given to her slowing down," the source says.
"She is still clearly in charge."
