Queen Elizabeth (opens in new tab) is keeping her promise to her late husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip (opens in new tab), to enjoy herself in his absence. According to [Daily Mail (opens in new tab) royal columnist Richard Kay (opens in new tab), the fact that the Queen (opens in new tab) seems to be in great spirits during her recent public appearances is a direct result of a promise the Queen and Philip made several years ago. They say it is a direct result of a promise the Queen and Philip made several years ago.

"They had often discussed how each would cope when the other was not around, and it came down to this: those left behind should mourn, but not for too long, and then enjoy the life they have left," he wrote in a recent column .

The Queen is also reportedly very pleased that COVID restrictions have been eased. This is because she can once again attend more in-person events, such as the G7 summit in Cornwall and the celebration of the changed Trooping the Colour (open in new tab). But while the lockdown (open in new tab) was reportedly difficult for the queen, Kay noted that it allowed her to spend more quality time in the months leading up to Philip's death than she otherwise would have.

"COVID changed everything," he writes, "but crucially, it paid unexpected dividends in that she and Philip were able to be together for the last 13 months of Philip's life.

Since COVID's restrictions were relaxed, one of the events the Queen reportedly looks forward to the most is Royal Ascot (opens in new tab). The event is well known to be a favorite of the Queen, who has had a lifelong passion for horses.

"Everything helped to cheer the Queen up," said one horse racing fan of the impact attending the final day of Royal Ascot had on her. She misses Prince Philip very much, but she was prepared for his passing." It is always exhausting to care deeply for someone whose health is deteriorating, and I am sure it was the same for Her Majesty the Queen."[11