His long life has been a blessing to us all

AS she prepares to say a final farewell to Prince Philip, the Queen yesterday paid her own loving tribute by releasing this cherished picture of them together.

- Richard Palmer Royal Correspondent

Final farewell...the Queen leaves Windsor Castle to walk her dogs. Left, Dean of Windsor David Conner is set to conduct the funeral service

Her Majesty chose the photo to share with the public ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral at 3pm today.

Taken by her daughter-in-law the Countess of Wessex in 2003, it shows the Queen and Philip relaxing in the sunshine in the Coyles of Muick on the Balmoral estate.

And a photograph taken of the Queen and a silhouetted Philip arriving for the State Opening of Parliament in 2004 beautifully illustrates his continuing presence in her life.

The monarch will say goodbye to her husband at today’s funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The Queen, supported by her family, will then continue with her duties in the coming days and weeks.

She is expected to spend more time working from Windsor in widowhood, even after the pandemic is over.

Yesterday, she took calls from Commonwealth leaders offering their condolences.

The 94-year-old monarch spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Governor General of Australia, David Hurley.

Mr Trudeau’s office said: “The Prime Minister noted the special relationship the Duke of Edinburgh maintained with Canada over the years, including through more than 60 visits and close ties with the Canadian armed forces, and conveyed to Her Majesty that the thoughts of Canadians are with her and all members of the Royal Family in this time of grief.”

Silence