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Queen Elizabeth's poignant photo sitting alone in a mask at Philip's funeral touches hearts: ‘Setting an example’

"The Queen sat alone, socially distanced, at her husband’s funeral is going to be an enduring image," a tweet read

Prince Philip's funeral at Windsor Castle was a low-key affair with only a handful of guests attending it. Among the 30-member guest list, Queen Elizabeth II was one of them.

While most seem to be holding up okay, a heartbreaking image of the monarch sitting alone and somber took over the internet. The poignant Windsor ceremony tugged at the heartstrings of millions as they took to social media to share their two cents on it. 

Several were quick to point out that even during a phase of immense grief, the Queen was able to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Most opined how invested she was towards her duty as the monarch and that it was her setting an example. The grieving Queen was dressed in black as she mourned for her husband of over seven decades. They were married on 20 November 1947.

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Ever since Prince Philip's death on April 9, Friday, questions surrounding the traditions of Royal mourning have been underway. There's a strict protocol that is usually followed by the Palace. Following the immediate week of mourning, an additional 30 days of mourning is expected.

According to Matthew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces: "Mourning dress has been part of European royal culture for centuries, but it reached its peak in the 19th century with the influence of Queen Victoria, who set a standard for the rest of society to follow." "Widows were required to wear black, then either white or mauve, for at least three years before being able to return to richly coloured clothing," Matthew told The Telegraph.

Meanwhile, here's what the Internet has had to say about the queen's heartbreaking photo.

"She is doing what she has done her entire life: her duty. Just like Pres Biden and VP Harris (both vaccinated) never appear publicly unmasked and always observing social distancing rules — to set the example for their respective citizens," one commented and another posted: "She is setting an example. It’s sort of like her only real job."

"How is “the whole thing.. utterly ridiculous now?” That is actually following protocols from public health experts who say fully vaccinated people still need to mask up in public," a user wrote. "The Queen has given her all for the Country for more than 75 years, 73 with her late husband, like others grieving during the last 15 months she deserves much, much better, I feel for her," another expressed.

"The Queen sat alone, socially distanced, at her husband’s funeral is going to be an enduring image. When she said, aged 21 in April 1947 that she was going to serve her country, she meant every word of it. #PrincePhilipfuneral," one user wrote.

Another shared: "I think politicizing Covid and, or Vaccine is in poor taste today. She is doing what she's always done, her duty, she is setting an example and all credit to her on what has to be one of the worst days of both her and her family's life."