Queen still has '˜job for life' without Philip at her side

The Palace has made it clear that her public duties and behind-the-scenes work as head of state will continue unabated.

On the throne for more than 65 years, Elizabeth II has always insisted that abdication is not an option.

In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she made her now famous radio broadcast from Cape Town in South Africa during her first official overseas visit, declaring: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

With Philip no longer at her side, she will increasingly turn to younger members of the family, especially the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, for support.

With immaculate timing, William’s job as an air ambulance pilot ended last week, and he will now take over his grandfather’s role as a full-time royal.

In 1992, the Queen dismissed any speculation that she would step down, saying: “Continuity is very important.”

However, she rarely carries out overseas duties and a number of investitures are now carried out by Charles, William and the Princess Royal.