Queen Elizabeth Performed *This* Royal Duty Today, Just a Few Days After Prince Philip's Passing

Queen Elizabeth has just attended an engagement for the first time since the loss of her husband, Prince Philip.

Per the Court Circular—which documents daily engagements conducted by members of the royal family—the 94-year-old monarch hosted a ceremony on Tuesday at Windsor Castle for Earl Peel, who recently left his post as Lord Chamberlain.

“The Earl Peel had an audience of The Queen today, delivered up his Wand and Insignia of Office as Lord Chamberlain and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Chamberlain, when Her Majesty invested him with the Royal Victorian Chain," the site currently reads.

The royal family announced the sad passing of the Duke of Edinburgh early last Friday in a statement, where they wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

His death marked the beginning of an official 8-day period of mourning for Her Majesty, during which it was reported that she would not conduct state affairs or give new bills to the Royal Assent and would halt all royal duties.

However, a former staff member of the palace revealed to People that they are not surprised she chose to host the engagement. “Her family will step up and be by her side, but she will carry on,” the source told the outlet. “She understands that she has a job to do, and [Philip] would have wanted her to crack on.” 

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