What The Future Holds For Queen Elizabeth, Royal Family After Prince Philip's Funeral: Report

Queen Elizabeth II will likely continue fulfilling her royal duties and will not retreat from public view following the death of her husband Prince Philip, according to a royal expert and author.

Prince Philip was laid to rest by Queen Elizabeth and the royal family Saturday at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, a week after he passed away at the age of 99 on April 9. As for what comes next for the monarch and their family following the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, historian and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared her insight during an interview with E! News.

"We've become accustomed, since 2017, to seeing her on her own or with other children and grandchildren," Smith told the outlet. "And so, without him at her side, it's not that unusual. But that doesn't take anything away from the fact that this is going to be a big blow for her. She's been with him for 73 years, and...as she said, [he's been] her 'strength and her stay' for 73 years."

"We're going to see her moving along, doing her duty. She's not going to be like Queen Victoria, and retreat from public view. She'll be out, and she'll do whatever is required of her," she added.

The New York Times bestselling author also weighed in on who the Queen might lean on and seek support from following the loss of her husband.

"I think she's much closer to Prince Charles than she used to be," Smith said. "They've had their ups and downs over the years, but I think she does rely on him a lot. She is really close to all of her children...even Prince Andrew. She's close to Princess Anne. So she has children who are ready and willing to support her.

She further noted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are also in Her Majesty’s corner, along with the Queen's confidant Angela Kelly. "She has a very supportive system of people around her," Smith added.

Smith suggested that Prince Philip's passing has likely changed the family dynamic because he was there for everyone and was among the people who kept the family together.

"She is the queen. And from the very beginning, she made him the head of the family, and he made a lot of the decisions about what various members of the family did," she said. "And they would go to him for advice and guidance. I think that will be a real loss. They relied on him, he was sort of glue for the family."

The historian also said she believes that Prince William and Kate Middleton want to reconcile with Prince Harry but that it may not be the right time "because everybody is focusing on the Queen."

Prince William, Middleton and Prince Harry were seen exiting St. George's Chapel together and having a conversation following the funeral service. Body language expert Judi James said the royal siblings appeared to have had "a genuine moment of unity rather than something contrived for the cameras."