How Queen Elizabeth Paid Tribute To Husband Prince Philip In First Outing For 2022

Queen Elizabeth II used a cane that previously belonged to her late husband Prince Philip when she made her first outing this year on Saturday.

The 95-year-old monarch was photographed using the Duke of Edinburgh's walking stick at a reception she hosted at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England, on the eve of her Accession Day, which marked the 70th anniversary of when she became queen, People reported.

During the event, Queen Elizabeth was surrounded by representatives from local charities and members of the Sandringham Estate as she cut a special cake that was decorated with the emblem of the Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty was also given gifts, including a mosaic created by local children, at the reception.

Royal biographer Gyles Brandreth told The Telegraph Monday that he "recognized the stick instantly."

"It was always kept in a pot by the front door," he added. "It was the duke's stick, and it is very touching that the Queen has started using it."

Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99, was last spotted using the cane publicly in 2013 while he was recovering from abdominal surgery. However, he also used it more recently while working on the Sandringham estate, which he managed, according to People.

The Queen, meanwhile, started using a cane to assist with her walking in October 2021 during a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. This was the first time she'd been seen holding one publicly since 2003 when she used a cane while she was recovering from knee surgery.

Queen Elizabeth sparked health concerns last year when she was hospitalized for a night, causing her to cancel a trip to Ireland. At the time, Buckingham Palace officials said that she was in "good spirits" and that she was back to her royal duties by the end of October.

Meanwhile, the Queen also previously paid tribute to her late husband in a message she released Saturday to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

"I was blessed that in Prince Philip I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it. It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father's reign," she wrote.

In the same statement, the monarch revealed her wish that Prince Charles' wife Camilla would be known as "queen consort" when the Prince of Wales becomes king.

"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," Queen Elizabeth wrote.