LONDON – Prince Philip, a constant presence on the side of Queen Elizabeth II and the longest serving monarch in British history, has died. He was 99.
“The royal family is mourning with people around the world over its loss,” the family said in a statement.
He was born a prince of Greece and Denmark on the island of Corfu in 1921 and married the queen – then still Princess Elizabeth – in 1947 when he was 26 and she was 21. They were third cousins, both descended from Queen Victoria.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, spent much of his adult life walking a step or two behind his wife, accompanying her to state dinners, garden parties, and charity events. Behind the scenes, he has been recognized for trying to make the monarchy more open and accessible to the British public. He was also associated with about 800 organizations, including numerous charities.
Prince Philip performed his public duties until August 2017, when he made his final official appearance at a Royal Marine parade in Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip, known for his sometimes outspoken remarks, saw his role as a company as a duty above all else.