The Queen has released a rare statement thanking people for their "support and kindness" on her 95th birthday, her first since the death of her husband, Prince Philip.
Philip died on April 9 at the age of 99.
The statement, shared with Insider by Buckingham Palace, says: "I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate."
"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," the statement continues.
"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."
The Queen's statement was also shared to the royal family's Instagram account, with the caption: "The Queen's message to people across the world who have sent tributes and messages of condolence following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."
The Queen is spending her 95th birthday in "royal mourning" at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.
She requested a two-week mourning period to be observed by the royal family following Philip's death. There has been a reduction in the number of royal duties and engagements carried out by members of the family during this time.
The monarch was photographed sitting alone at her husband's funeral four days before her birthday on April 17.
Because of the UK's COVID-19 restrictions, only 30 people were permitted to attend the ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were married for 73 years. After falling in love as teenagers, the then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip announced their engagement in July 1947, when they were 21 and 26 respectively.
They tied the knot on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey. Philip will be remembered as Britain's longest-serving consort, the term used to describe the companion to the monarch.
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