The Queen paid her respects privately in a special way at the funeral of Her Royal Highness Prince Philip (opens in new tab).

According to a report in the Daily Mail (opens in new tab), the Queen brought some special mementos to the funeral, where she sat alone according to COVID-19 guidelines (opens in new tab). By having the special items on hand, the queen was able to feel closer to her husband of 73 years during the funeral.

A royal source told the newspaper that Elizabeth II planned to bring one of Philip's signature white handkerchiefs in her purse. The handkerchief, made by the Duke of Edinburgh's Savile Row tailor Kent & Hast (opens in new tab), was a classic part of his style. Philip wore the handkerchief folded into a square and tucked into the breast pocket of his suit.

The handkerchief was not the only thing the queen is said to have carried in her purse in memory of her late husband.

The Daily Mail also reported that the Queen brought a treasured photo (opens in new tab) of her and Philip as newlyweds on the island of Malta; according to the Mail, the trip was one of her favorite memories, and she later said it was the only time she could live a "normal" life. The Queen later said that it was the only time she was able to live a "normal" life.

The Queen also left a handwritten note to her late husband on Philip's coffin. The Queen signed the note with her childhood nickname "Lilibet" (opens in new tab), and Philip was reportedly the last person to call her by that nickname.