Prince Philip,the love ofQueen Elizabeth’s life,diedtwo years ago.

On the second anniversary of theDuke of Edinburgh’s death, the royal family gathered for the Easter church service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, the same place where Prince Philip’s funeral was held in April 2021 after hedied at age 99. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the royal’s funeral was limited to just 30 guests — andQueen Elizabeth sat alonewearing a face mask due to social distancing guidelines.

Prince Philip.Matt Dunham/Getty

prince philip

This Easter also marks thefirst time the royals are marking the holiday without Queen Elizabeth, who died in September at age 96. During the Christmas season, a former palace staffer shared how difficult it would be for the royal family to mark holidays without their matriarch.

“It will be hard, as the Queen was all they knew, like most of Britain,” thestaffer told PEOPLE, adding, “The first year is most difficult, as it is always the first of everything that you notice.”

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Queen Elizabethserved as the ceremonial head of the Church of England since her accession to the throne in 1952. She was a devout Christian throughout her life and attended services regularly, turning toonline worshipin her later years when she couldn’t go in person.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.Tim Graham Photo Library

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving held in honour of the Queen’s 80th birthday, June 15, 2006 in London, England

Easter also fell another important day: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s18th wedding anniversary.

Royal family at Easter.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s King Charles III (2L) and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort (L) walk with Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal (3L), Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York (4L), Britain’s Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (centre left) and Britain’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (4R), Britain’s James, Earl of Wessex and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence (R) as they arrive for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 9, 2023. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP) (Photo by YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Preparations are in full swing for King Charles and Queen Camilla’scoronationon May 6. In addition to Buckingham Palace releasing thecoronation invitationearlier this week, decorations are going up around London — including graphics ofKing Charles wearing a crown.

source: people.com