The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history, has died today at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
His death comes after years of remarkable stamina, in which he undertook more public engagements than much younger senior Royals. The Duke was last seen in public carrying out official duties in July 2020 at Windsor Castle, when he transferred an important military role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall.
He was also pictured at Princess Beatrice’s wedding in July, and photographed alongside the Queen for his 99th birthday in June.
The Duke had been admitted to the King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone, central London, on Feb 16 for a few days’ rest and observation after feeling unwell.
While it was not an emergency admission and he walked in unaided, that stay was extended and Buckingham Palace later revealed he was being treated for an infection.
After 13 nights at the private hospital, he was transferred to St Bartholomew’s – a cardiac specialist NHS centre in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Duke is expected to be given a royal ceremonial funeral in line with his own wishes, which is expected to take place in seven days’ time.
The Duke is survived by his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, and his children Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
We will be bringing you the latest tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh as they flood in from around the world.
Source: The elegraph
