The Queen issued a rare public statement this afternoon as she celebrated her 95th birthday.
Her Majesty released the heartfelt message on the official Instagram account of the Royal Family.
In the statement, she addressed the public's reaction following the death of her husband Prince Philip.
She then went on to thank the people for their support during this period "of great sadness".
In an emotional address, Her Majesty wrote:
"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."
Her statement continued:
"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."
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, following his earlier hospitalization and surgery after a period of illness.
The Royal Family confirmed his passing in an official statement which read:
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
He was laid to rest at St George's Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle in the south of England, in a funeral service comprising of the Queen and 29 other hand-picked special guests.
These guests included Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Anne, and Kate Middleton, among others.
Philip's body has been laid to rest in a 200-year-old crypt, where it will remain until the death of the Queen.
After this, Prince Philip's body will be moved to join Her Majesty's and her father's in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
