Buckingham Palace just announced that Your Majesty the Queen’s husband Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. The couple got married in 1947 which was almost five years before she started her reign as Queen. Prince Philip had four children with Queen and eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The Prince was 5 years older than Queen Elizabeth II and he was also the longest-serving British monarch in history.
The statement released by Buckingham Palace reads: "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."
His first son, the Prince of Wales, was born one year after their marriage in 1948, followed by Princess Anne who was born in 1950. Next was the Duke of York and Prince Edward in 1964.
Many would want to know when the Prince was born and where. He was born on the Greek island of Corfu in June 10 1921. In fact, he comes from a line of royalty as well as he was the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark. His mother, Princess Alice, was actually the daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten and a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria!
Prince Philip was battling a long withstanding disease as many would know. In addition, he was last seen on a wheelchair on March 16th as he returned to Windsor Castle to stay safe from the coronavirus pandemic.
Apparently, he seemed in good spirits at the time and he even waved back at the paparazzi when he entered home for the first time in a month.
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. - This was the official statement at the time.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has shown sadness and said that the UK has lost an extraordinary public servant who dedicated his life to the country.
He said: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
People from around the world have offering tributes to the duke of Edinburgh!