The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.
“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” A statement from the palace read.
Speaking at Downing Street, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said Prince Philip inspired the lives of countless young people and helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy ‘‘to remain an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
“I received the news of the duke’s death “with great sadness. Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world,” Johnson said.
He paid glowing tribute to the duke’s role as the longest serving consort in history noting that he will be remembered as one of the last surviving people to have fought in World War II.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
“From that conflict he took an ethic of service that he applied throughout the unprecedented changes of the post-War era, like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the prince was an exceptional public servant who will be remembered for his devotion to the Queen. “The UK has lost an extraordinary public servant. He would be remembered most of all for his most extraordinary commitment and devotion to the Queen”.
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