R.I.P Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99 at Windsor Castle
Prince Philip has died peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, just weeks after he was released from a London hospital and reunited with the Queen.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had recently been treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection, died on Friday morning, just two months before his 100th birthday.
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 made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Philip left King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, in a wheelchair on March 16 following his longest ever stay, and returned to Windsor Castle, where he and the Queen, 94, had been shielding together during the coronavirus pandemic.
At the time, the nation's longest-serving consort was said to be in good spirits as he was discharged, and waved as he arrived home for the first time in a month.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said at time: "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.
"His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes."
A source added that the duke was in "good spirits" the day he was discharged.
When he was admitted in February, Buckingham Palace described it as a "precautionary measure" and said he would be there for “a few days of observation and rest”.
But it turned into a month-long stay, split between King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where he underwent heart surgery.
The Queen and other senior royals carried on with official duties while Philip was in hospital.
Philip has been treated for heart problems in the past and in 2011 was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family was preparing for Christmas.
In the serious health scare, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and underwent a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting.
He was treated for a bladder infection in 2012 and had exploratory surgery on his abdomen in June 2013.
The Royal Family's official website was temporarily unavailable while "appropriate changes" were made following Philip's death.
The flags in Downing Street were lowered to half-mast following the announcement, as politicians paid tribute to the duke.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had lost an "extraordinary public servant" who "dedicated his life to our country".
He added: “However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.
“For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed - most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.
“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.”
Government ministers and other senior politicians offered tributes to the duke on social media.
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer tweeted: “Tragic news. A true patriot.”
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi posted: “This is a sad sad day for us all. May he rest in peace. RIP Great Prince.”
Nicholas Soames, a former Conservative MP and the grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, tweeted: “The death of Prince Philip marks the passing of a truly remarkable man who lived a life of impeccable and dedicated service to his Queen and Country #aterriblelosstohisFamilyandhisCountry.”
The Queen's 'strength and stay'
The Duke of Edinburgh was once described by the Queen as her "strength and stay" and has been a constant presence by her side for more than 70 years.
Born in 1921, Philip served in the Royal Navy and has become known over the years for his jokes and gaffes.
After he first met the Queen, Elizabeth "never looked at anyone else" and once Philip proposed his destiny as royal consort was sealed.
Putting aside his own career ambitions, he proved his strong sense of duty serving the country through hundreds of engagements every year, refusing to stop working even in his 90s.
He became patron or president of 800 organisations, founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956 and won a place in the nation's hearts for his no-nonsense attitude and witty quips, or "gaffes".
He leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchilden.
Philip bowed out of public life in August 2017, retiring at the age of 96 with 22,219 solo engagements to his name.
It was perhaps an unexpected path for the boy born on June 10, 1921 on the Greek Island of Corfu and descended from Greek and Danish royalty.
While not exactly from humble beginnings, Philip's childhood gave no clue that he would one day be the longest-serving British royal consort and a key figure at the heart of the world's most famous Royal Family.
Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Prince Philip has died peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, just weeks after he was released from a London hospital and reunited with the Queen.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had recently been treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection, died on Friday morning, just two months before his 100th birthday.
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 made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Prince Philip leaves King Edward VII's Hospital in central London
Prince Philip was last seen in public as he left King Edward VII's Hospital in central London on March 16 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Related Articles
Kate Middleton is 'silent power' behind William and communicates like Diana, expert claimsmirror
Meghan Markle has 'aggressive legal team' to 'fight back' against Piers Morganmirror
Philip left King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, in a wheelchair on March 16 following his longest ever stay, and returned to Windsor Castle, where he and the Queen, 94, had been shielding together during the coronavirus pandemic.
At the time, the nation's longest-serving consort was said to be in good spirits as he was discharged, and waved as he arrived home for the first time in a month.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said at time: "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.
"His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes."
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tour
The Queen once described her husband Philip as her "strength and stay" (Image: REX)
A source added that the duke was in "good spirits" the day he was discharged.
When he was admitted in February, Buckingham Palace described it as a "precautionary measure" and said he would be there for “a few days of observation and rest”.
But it turned into a month-long stay, split between King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where he underwent heart surgery.
The Queen and other senior royals carried on with official duties while Philip was in hospital.
Philip has been treated for heart problems in the past and in 2011 was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family was preparing for Christmas.
Never miss a Royal moment
Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Queen, Charles, William, Kate, Harry, Meghan, George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and the rest of the family.
We'll send the best Royal news directly to your inbox so you never have to miss a thing. Sign up to our newsletter here.
In the serious health scare, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and underwent a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting.
He was treated for a bladder infection in 2012 and had exploratory surgery on his abdomen in June 2013.
The Royal Family's official website was temporarily unavailable while "appropriate changes" were made following Philip's death.
The flags in Downing Street were lowered to half-mast following the announcement, as politicians paid tribute to the duke.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had lost an "extraordinary public servant" who "dedicated his life to our country".
Read More
Philip's tragic childhood: His dad accused of treason, mum confined to a psychiatric hospital - then sister died in a plane crash
He added: “However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.
“For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed - most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.
“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.”
Government ministers and other senior politicians offered tributes to the duke on social media.
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer tweeted: “Tragic news. A true patriot.”
Prince Philip with his family at his grandson Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018 (Image: AFP)
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi posted: “This is a sad sad day for us all. May he rest in peace. RIP Great Prince.”
Nicholas Soames, a former Conservative MP and the grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, tweeted: “The death of Prince Philip marks the passing of a truly remarkable man who lived a life of impeccable and dedicated service to his Queen and Country #aterriblelosstohisFamilyandhisCountry.”
The Queen's 'strength and stay'
The Duke of Edinburgh was once described by the Queen as her "strength and stay" and has been a constant presence by her side for more than 70 years.
Born in 1921, Philip served in the Royal Navy and has become known over the years for his jokes and gaffes.
After he first met the Queen, Elizabeth "never looked at anyone else" and once Philip proposed his destiny as royal consort was sealed.
Putting aside his own career ambitions, he proved his strong sense of duty serving the country through hundreds of engagements every year, refusing to stop working even in his 90s.
Prince Philip
Prince Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle two months before his 100th birthday (Image: Getty Images Europe)
He became patron or president of 800 organisations, founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956 and won a place in the nation's hearts for his no-nonsense attitude and witty quips, or "gaffes".
He leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchilden.
Philip bowed out of public life in August 2017, retiring at the age of 96 with 22,219 solo engagements to his name.
It was perhaps an unexpected path for the boy born on June 10, 1921 on the Greek Island of Corfu and descended from Greek and Danish royalty.
While not exactly from humble beginnings, Philip's childhood gave no clue that he would one day be the longest-serving British royal consort and a key figure at the heart of the world's most famous Royal Family.
The Duke pictured in military uniform in the 1950s (Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
His mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg and his father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and he was their only son with four older sisters.
His family was exiled from Greece when he was a baby and Philip was educated in France, Germany and the UK.
He eventually joined the British Navy in 1939 age 18 and served in the British Forces during WWII.
Elizabeth and Philip were distant cousins, and first met at a wedding in 1934 when she was only nine.
But it was when they met again in 1939 that they began to exchange letters and fell in love.
They became secretly engaged in 1946, but the formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth turned 21 in April 1947.
Philip changed his name to Mountbatten - the anglicised version of Battenberg - before the wedding in order to sound more British and they were married in Westminster Abbey on November 20 1947.
Elizabeth's father King George VI, who she was very close to, wrote about giving her away: "When I handed your hand to the Archbishop, I felt I had lost something very precious."
He added: "I can see that you are sublimely happy with Philip which is right but don't forget us, is the wish of your ever loving and devoted... Papa."
In a letter to her parents on her honeymoon, Elizabeth wrote: “Philip is an angel. We behave as though we had belonged to each other for years.”
And he wrote: “She is the only thing in this world which is absolutely real to me.”
It was not long before the couple became parents with the birth of Prince Charles in November 1948 shortly followed by Princess Anne in 1950.
In 1949 Philip's naval career saw him stationed in Malta where he and Elizabeth enjoyed a carefree existence, attending dances and free to act like a normal husband and wife.
But on February 6 1952, a huge responsibility fell on Elizabeth's young shoulders when her father died and she became Queen aged just 25.
It was Philip who told his wife she was now Queen after news reached them in Kenya where they were staying in the Treetops hotel.
From that moment Philip's life also changed as his role became to support Elizabeth in her official duties.
Much later he admitted to the BBC about the job: "There was no precedent. If I asked somebody, 'What do you expect me to do?' they all looked blank.
"They had no idea, nobody had much idea."
Nevertheless he worked to carve out a niche for himself.
Two more children followed - Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964 - and Philip assumed the role as head of the household at home if not in official life.
In public, he may have walked a step behind his wife, but there can be no underestimating the importance of Philip to the Queen's reign.
As she said herself in a speech for their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1997: “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.”
mirror.co.uk
