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09th Apr 2021

Queen starts eight days of mourning after death of Prince Philip

Wayne Farry

Prince Philip passed away on Friday morning

Queen Elizabeth II will enter eight days of mourning following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh this morning at the age of 99.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Prince Philip’s death on Friday, stating that he had “passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle”.

As the Queen enters eight days of mourning, new bills will not be given Royal Assent to become law, while state affairs will also be suspended during this time.

The Queen will resume her official duties after Prince Philip’s funeral, though these will be carried out behind closed doors as she mourns privately.

He will be buried in Frogmore Gardens, located within the grounds of Windsor Castle – the Queen’s primary residence. It is also believed that he will receive a royal ceremonial funeral rather than a state one, as per his wishes.

Flags on landmark buildings around Britain have been lowered to half-mast as a period of mourning was announced and the funeral arrangements are set to be made over the coming days.

Philip had long been suffering from a number of health concerns, including a recent heart surgery from which he had only just recovered.

The Duke had recently been treated following the procedure at both King Edward VII Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital when he also contracted an infection.

A statement by the Palace this afternoon read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”