KEY POINTS

  • Queen Elizabeth II left a handwritten letter and a wreath on Prince Philip's coffin Saturday
  • The note read in part, "I love you," reports said
  • Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth exchanged letters over the course of their decades-long relationship

Queen Elizabeth II continued one of her traditions with Prince Philip one final time when she laid her husband of over seven decades to rest a week after his death at age 99 on April 9.

During her late husband's funeral service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle Saturday, the monarch, 94, said goodbye to Prince Philip with a handwritten letter, which was placed on top of his coffin together with a wreath, Entertainment Tonight reported.

The contents of the note, written on the Queen’s stationery, were not visible in photos that captured the sentimental gesture, but it appeared to read in part, "I love you," Today reported.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, who got married in 1947, famously exchanged love letters over the course of their relationship. They began sending each other letters at the beginning of their courtship, when the Queen was only 13 and Prince Philip, 18.

The Queen and the late duke remained married for 73 years. NBC News royal contributor Camilla Tominey told Today that Prince Philip's passing left the monarch "absolutely devastated."

Following Buckingham Palace's announcement of the Duke of Edinburgh's death last week, the Royal Family Twitter account shared a photo of him and the Queen. Accompanying the image was a quote from Her Majesty that summed up her marriage with Prince Philip.

"He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know," read the statement.

Hours before Prince Philip's funeral, the Queen made another tribute for her husband on social media. She shared a never-before-seen photograph of them that was taken by their daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in 2003. In the snap, they can be seen relaxing together at the top of the Coyles of Muick near Balmoral in Scotland.

"Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of The Duke, in celebration of his life," the caption read.

The Queen released a personal photograph of herself with Prince Philip, both looking relaxed and smiling in Scotland in 2003
The Queen released a personal photograph of herself with Prince Philip, both looking relaxed and smiling in Scotland in 2003 BUCKINGHAM PALACE / The Countess of Wessex