The Palace have issued an official statement a short while ago confirming that Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, has died.
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.”
The Duke was married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years and became the longest-serving consort in British history.
He also travelled around the country supporting the Queen, both on state occasions and royal visits.
For a man of his age he enjoyed relatively good health.
In 2012 he was admitted to hospital during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a bladder infection, and in 2013 had an exploratory operation on his abdomen.
No official details have been released yet about the Duke’s funeral, but it is understood he will be given a royal ceremonial funeral rather than a state funeral, in line with his wishes.
The Queen will sign off the final plans in the coming days.
Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born on the island of Corfu in 1921.
At the age of 18, the prince joined the Royal Navy as a cadet.
He saw active service during the Second World War, serving in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, and was mentioned in despatches for his bravery.
Their wedding was the first great state occasion after the end of the Second World War.
His commitment to the Queen was unfaltering. He gave up his career in the Navy in order to support her in her role as monarch.
The Queen has described Prince Philip as her “constant strength and stay”.
They had four children – Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward – and he was a much loved grandfather and great-grandfather.
He saw himself as a moderniser within the British monarchy, orchestrating the first royal walkabout – but he was also known for his forthright views and off-the-cuff remarks. (Source Sky News)
