British Royal Family

UK: Queen Marks Late Husband's 100th Birthday With New Rose

The rose, which is deep pink and dappled with white lines, was newly bred following Philip's death on April 9 at Windsor Castle

Queen Elizabeth II has marked what would have been her husband Prince Philip’s 100th birthday with the planting of a newly bred rose named after him.

The monarch watched the Duke of Edinburgh Rose planted in the Windsor Castle gardens last week to commemorate Philip’s centenary Thursday.

She was pictured smiling as she accepted the small rose bush, wrapped in brown paper and twine, from the Royal Horticultural Society’s president.

The rose, which is deep pink and dappled with white lines, was newly bred following Philip’s death on April 9 at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth will mark her first birthday without her husband in over seven decades. The monarch is turning 95 on April 21 - but don't expect a celebration since the Queen is observing an official mourning period until April 23 following the death of Prince Philip. The royal is likely to spend her special day driving herself to one of her favorite parts of Windsor to walk her new dogs, Fergus and Muick, according to the Daily Mail. According to reports, she also will not be releasing an official birthday portrait as she has in year’s past.

For every rose sold, the company Harkness Roses will donate 2.50 pounds ($3.50) to a fund aiming to help a million more young people from all backgrounds take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, a popular youth award program set up by Philip in 1956.

Philip, who was born on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921, married then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947 — five years before she became queen at age 25. Their marriage lasted 73 years, making Philip Britain’s longest-serving consort. The queen has called her husband her “strength and stay” in public.

He devoted his life to royal service, taking on tens of thousands of engagements and accompanying the queen on official visits to some 140 countries. He retired from royal duties in 2017, at age 96.

Prince Harry is remembering his late grandfather. Just days after Prince Philip passed away, the Duke of Sussex described his late grandfather as the "master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end" in a new statement. "Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered—by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts," he shared.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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