While the Queen’s birthday is usually a jubilant affair, the Monarch shied away from celebrating her 95th birthday on Wednesday, instead opting to release a heartfelt statement thanking the public for “support and kindness” following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip.

“I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate,” the Queen began her message.

“While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

“My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”

Philip died on April 9, aged 99. This will be the first birthday the Queen has spent without him since the early days of their courtship.

The palace said the Queen will remain at home at Windsor Castle for her birthday this year as she continues her period of mourning. It’s the second year in a row she’s cancelled her public and private celebration plans. Last year, the Queen decided against the usual pomp and ceremony that accompanies her birthday due to the Covid-19 crisis gripping the UK.

Royal fans have since taken to social media to wish Her Majesty a very happy birthday, with one writing: “Happy birthday ma’am. You are the biggest jewel in the Crown! May Philip continue to guide you and protect you.”

Another added: “Happy birthday to our dear Queen, what a hard day this must be for you.” And a third commented: “I cant help to feel a pinch in my heart for Her Majesty as she celebrates her b’day for the first time without her prince. Praying for strength, healing, peace and happiness to Her Majesty and to the royal family. Happy birthday ma’am.”

While the Queen will likely be visited by family members on Wednesday, she won’t be seeing Prince Harry, who has already returned to the US to be with his pregnant wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their son, Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, meanwhile, spent part of the day visiting an Air Cadet squadron in honour of Philip, who served as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps.