The Queen returned to work on Tuesday just four days on from the death of her husband Prince Philip, it has been confirmed.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle on Friday morning after almost seven decades as prince consort and 73 years of marriage to The Queen.
The UK is now officially in a period of mourning until after Philip's funeral on Saturday and while The Queen had not been expected to undertake any royal duties until next week, she appeared in person on Tuesday at an event to mark the retirement of the Earl Peel as Lord Chamberlain.
The role of Lord Chamberlain has the responsibility for organising royal ceremonies - including Philip's funeral - although the Earl Peel officially retired a week before the Duke's death.
An official communication documenting the event said: "The Earl Peel had an audience of The Queen today, delivered up his Wand and Insignia of Office as Lord Chamberlain and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order and took leave upon relinquishing his appointment as Lord Chamberlain, when Her Majesty invested him with the Royal Victorian Chain."
The Earl Peel has been replaced by Andrew Parker, the former Director General of MI5.
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