Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99

The Duke of Edinburgh has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “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.

“Further announcements will be made in due course.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on March 16, 2021, to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital – his longest ever stay.

He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.

At 99-years-old, Philip was the longest-serving consort in British history.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99.Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99.

He and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

Philip – father to the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – was just two months away from his 100th birthday in June.

He spent much of the Covid-19 crisis staying with the Queen at Windsor in HMS Bubble – the nickname given to the couple’s reduced household of devoted staff during lockdown.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In January, it was announced that the Queen and Prince Philip had received their coronavirus vaccinations at Windsor Castle from a household doctor.

Over the years, Prince Philip had suffered a number of ailments, including being treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire in December 2011 and a bladder infection in June 2012, which caused him to miss the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Exploratory surgery on his abdomen followed in June 2013 and he began to use hearing aids by 2014, aged 93.

He later pulled out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event in June 2016 citing a minor illness which was followed soon after by his retirement from public duty in 2017.

Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands marking their diamond wedding anniversary. The Duke has died aged 99 on Friday, April, 9, 2021.Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands marking their diamond wedding anniversary. The Duke has died aged 99 on Friday, April, 9, 2021.
Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh at Broadlands marking their diamond wedding anniversary. The Duke has died aged 99 on Friday, April, 9, 2021.

In November, 2020, Prince Philip and the Queen marked their 73rd wedding anniversary by releasing a photograph of themselves as they opened a card which was made from them by their grandchildren, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tweeted her condolences to the Royal Family, writing: “I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died.

"I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”

Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, responded to the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, saying: “The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country - from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.

“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.

“My thoughts are with The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, said: “In the middle of a political campaign, this is a reminder of what’s most important in life.

“We have lost a tremendous public servant who for decades served his Queen and country. My heartfelt condolences are with Her Majesty and all of the Royal Family.

“We have suspended our campaign effective immediately.”

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Related topics:

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.