His death was confirmed by Buckingham Palace
Prince Philip has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace have confirmed.
A statement 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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
Philip had long been suffering from a number of health concerns, including a recent heart surgery from which he had only just recovered from.
The Duke was recently been treated following the procedure at both King Edward VII Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital when he also contracted an infection.
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.
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.
He was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years; they wed in 1947, five years before Elizabeth was officially coronated and she called him her “strength and stay” throughout their long life and marriage.
Prince Philip was not only the first male royal consort since Prince Albert (1840-1861), he was also the longest-serving in British history. He served his Royal status from 1952: a total of 69 years.
Also dubbed the Prince of Greece and Denmark, having been born in Corfu of Danish Royal heritage in 1921, the Duke took a step back from his Royal duties in 2017. Having turned 96, he made his last engagement in the Order of Merit at St James’s Palace.
He is survived not only by the Queen but a total of four children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement outside 10 Downing Street earlier today in which he said: “We mourn today with Her Majesty the Queen, we offer our condolences to her and all her family and we give thanks as a nation and a kingdom for the extraordinary work of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.”
What happens next?
It is believed that the Duke of Edinburgh’s wishes were to receive a “no-fuss” funeral, so instead of a state affair – as seen for the likes of the Queen Mother and Princess Diana – Prince Philip will receive a royal ceremonial funeral.
While this does not mean he won’t receive some form of public commemoration, he will not follow suit in receiving the traditional state funeral conducted at Westminster Abbey. However, with the current Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, it remains unclear as to how either of these will play out, if at all.
How long will the Queen officially mourn for?
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.
