Prince Philip’s throne was removed as the Queen attended the first State Opening of Parliament since his death

• Prince Philip's throne was removed at the State Opening of Parliament.
• It was the Queen's first engagement since his funeral service on April 17.
• Philip was the longest serving consort in British history.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Prince Philip's throne was notably absent at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday, the Queen's first televised engagement since his funeral service in April.

Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years – making him the longest serving consort – died on April 9 at the age of 99.

It is tradition for the monarch to sit on the Sovereign's throne as she delivers a speech at the event, which is held to mark the beginning of a new parliamentary year. Prince Philip, who accompanied his wife in previous years, sat beside her on the consort's throne.

The consort's throne was designed in 1901 to be identical to the Sovereign's, although it was an inch shorter, according to the UK Parliament website.

The consort's throne was removed and instead Her Majesty was accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla, who sat on two smaller chairs beside the monarch.

Prince Charles previously accompanied the Queen to the state opening in 2017 and 2019 after Prince Philip retired from public duties in 2017.

Her Majesty broke from tradition by opting to wear a lilac hat and matching coat instead of a crown and ceremonial robes at the engagement.

This was in line with the government's decision to reduce ceremonial elements of the event due to the coronavirus pandemic, outlined on the UK Parliament's website.

The Queen's last televised engagement was Prince Philip's funeral at St George's Chapel on April 17. Only 30 people attended the service due to the UK's COVID-19 restrictions.

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