Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies aged 99
Prince Philip, the husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, died aged 99 on Friday morning, according to a statement by the UK monarchy.
“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,” said the statement, published on the UK royals official website.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” it added, referring to the castle located 37 kilometres east of London in the county of Berkshire.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” continued the statement, adding that further announcements would be made in due course.
A Greek prince, the Duke of Edinburgh married Elizabeth in 1947 and remained by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign. He earned a reputation for speaking his mind, at the cost of occasional high-profile gaffes. He is also credited with helping modernise the British monarchy in the era after World War II.