Queen thanks well-wishers for their kindness in first message about Philip's death

Queen Elizabeth [Courtesy]

The Queen has thanked people for their kindness in her first message since she announced the death of her "beloved" husband Prince Philip. The short message was shared on the royal family's social media accounts today, her 95th birthday.

She said that while the royal family is going through a "period of great sadness", they have found comfort in hearing people's memories of the Duke of Edinburgh. She wrote: "I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate.