Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II’s husband for more than seven decades, has died at 99, the royal family announced on Friday.
“It is with deep sadness that Her Majesty the Queen announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle this morning,” the royal family said. in a tweet.
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According to Le Grand Magazine, Philip was the captain of the cricket and hockey teams while in school and was in the middle of polo lessons when World War II broke out. Philip was a mainstay in polo sports until 1971 when he had to walk away due to arthritis.
He competed with teams from the USA, Argentina and Chile in the first Coronation Cup. He helped his Windsor Park team to a Gold Cup title in 1957 and 1966, according to Le Grand Magazine.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was at one time one of the best polo players in Britain.
(Daily Express / Getty Images)
According to the BBC, Philip was not only a leading polo player, but would also help hand over the World Cup trophy to the English football team when they beat West Germany in 1966. He was also with officials at Arsenal of the Premier League, when the club opened the Emirates Stadium in 2006.
PRINCE OF PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND QUEEN ELIZABETH II, DIED AT 99
Philip’s death spurred reaction from the sports world.
Ian Watmore, chairman of the English and Welsh Cricket Board, added: “I am sure I speak for the whole cricket family when I say how sad I am to hear of the departure of the Duke of Edinburgh. His passion for the game “We all loved him, and the trophies awarded to the men’s and women’s champions are a tribute to his dedication to our sport. We are very grateful for his support and passion over many decades.”
The Hurlingham Polo Association said: “He will be greatly missed as a great supporter of the game and a successful player in his own right.”
At the time of his death, Philip’s full title was His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, Knight of the Garter, Knight of the Thistle, Order of Merit, Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the British Empire , Companion of the Order of Australia, Companion of the Queen’s Service Order, Privy Counselor.
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He was the second person ever to bear the title ‘Duke of Edinburgh’, the first being his great-great-uncle, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert. His son, Prince Edward, will now accept the title.