Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.
In a statement, the palace said: ‘It is with great sadness that Her Majesty the Queen announces 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. Further announcements will be made in due course. The royal family joins people around the world over his loss. ”
The statement continued: “The royal family is joining forces with people around the world over its loss.”
Prince Philip’s death comes a few weeks after he was discharged from hospital, where he underwent a successful procedure for an existing heart condition after feeling unwell. His passing is an important moment for the UK after he was on the Queen’s side throughout her 68-year reign.
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The BBC disrupted its normal programming and went dark when it brought viewers and listeners of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death. An official announcement of his death was also placed outside Buckingham Palace, while the palace’s union was lowered to half-mast.
The BBC interrupts normal programming to announce Prince Philip’s death. pic.twitter.com/tGSbiPT4WB
– Jake Kanter (@Jake_Kanter) 9 April 2021
On the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Prince Philip had “helped manage the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution that is indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
Prince Philip was born on June 10, 1921, in the Greek island of Corfu, and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. He married Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and was by her side during her coronation in 1953. Together they had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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The Queen famously described him as her ‘strength and joy’ and much will be done about his public service during his time in the heart of the crown. He was also responsible for the modernization of the institution and in 1969 was an enthusiastic supporter of an unprecedented BBC documentary about the royal family, entitled Royal family. He was an environmental campaigner and created the youth award scheme, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He retired in 2017.
Prince Philip, however, was no stranger to controversy and was known for making racist and sexist comments. For example, during a state visit to China in 1986, he infamously told British students: “If you stay here much longer, you will all be smooth.”
Interest in Prince Philip, as with the entire British monarchy, increased The crown’s arrival on Netflix. He will be played by Matt Smith and Tobias Menzies, while Jonathan Pryce will play him from season 5.