Decidedly, 2021 will have reserved some sad surprises for him.
After giving up on hosting her traditional family lunch, Queen Elizabeth II had to cancel her usual stay at Sandringham Castle in Norfolk.
It was therefore from the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle that the 95-year-old British sovereign gave her annual speech, recorded last week and broadcast this Saturday afternoon, past turkey hour.
A personal message, as Prince Philip passed away last April and after his health difficulties at the start of winter.
“Although it is a time of great happiness and merriment for many people, Christmas can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones.
This year, I particularly understand why, ”said the sovereign in this message, personal as rarely, recorded at Windsor Castle.
Recalling fondly the Philip to whom she was married for 73 years, she cited "her sense of duty, her intellectual curiosity and her ability to have fun in any situation."
"The mischievous, questioning glow (of his eyes) was as brilliant at the end as it was when I first laid eyes on him," she continued.
"Although I miss him, and my family miss him, I know he would like us to enjoy Christmas," added the Queen, seated near a large sparkling tree, emphasizing the "joy" of the holiday. "Despite the familiar laughter that we miss".
A message from Kate and William
Dressed in red, the Queen, UK media noted in the photo unveiled hours earlier, wore the same chrysanthemum-patterned sapphire brooch she wore in the photo posed next to her.
This photo of her with Prince Philip was taken in 2007 in Broadlands, the former residence of Lord Mountbatten, Philip's uncle, where the newly married couple spent part of their honeymoon in 1947.
📺🎄The Queen's annual Christmas Message can be viewed at 3pm on @RoyalFamily channels, @BBCOne and @ITV and heard on @ BBCRadio4.
Her Majesty's Christmas Broadcast will also be available via Amazon's Alexa devices.
Merry Christmas!
pic.twitter.com/kE90FdsMx3
- The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 25, 2021
Perhaps Elizabeth II watched herself on television this Saturday.
Her son Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, spend this day with her.
Prince Andrew and his family, who live on the Windsor estate, and Prince Edward and his family, who live nearby, were also due to visit their mother.
Contact case of her husband Tim Laurence, positive for Covid, Princess Anne had to isolate herself at her home.
Prince William and Duchess Kate posted on social media a message signed with their initials.
“This Christmas will be different from what so many of us expected,” they wrote from Norfolk, where they are spending the holidays with the Middleton family.
This Christmas will be different to what so many of us had planned.
From those who are alone or having to isolate away from loved ones, to the incredible people supporting our NHS and caring for those most in need - we are thinking of you.
W & c
- The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 25, 2021
They also say they think about "those who are alone or who have to isolate themselves away from loved ones, the amazing people who support our health system and take care of those who need it most."
