Prince William and Kate reacted to the news from Buckingham Palace with a brief statement
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released a statement following the news that the Duke of Edinburgh has sadly passed away aged 99.
“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,” the statement from William and Kate read.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.”
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 was recently 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.
