The Queen attended a farewell party for the Earl of the Bell, also known as Lord Chamberlain – the highest officer of the royal family. In his position he was closely associated with the Queen, thus supporting and advising her, and he was the liaison between the Queen and the House of Lords.
The ceremony was held at Windsor Castle.
Earl Bell announced his departure last year, and just a week before Prince Philip’s death, Andrew Parker, the former MI5 chief, began the position.
After Prince Philip’s death, a period of national mourning was declared in the United Kingdom. This period ends on Saturday. Then the king’s funeral takes place. Until 8 a.m. on Saturday, flags were raised on royal buildings, government buildings, the armed forces and British positions abroad.
The royal family has been in mourning for two weeks. They will continue to attend appropriate events and wear a black blacksmithing band when necessary.
Prince Andrew responded to his father’s death last Sunday. He said, among other things, that Prince Philip’s death left a “colossal void” in his mother. “The Queen, as you might expect, is an incredibly stoic person. She described it as a great void in her life, but we, the family, close ones, are there to support her.”
