The Queen today announced with profound sadness the passing of her husband Prince Philip at the age of 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh spent his final days at Windsor Castle with his wife following a 28-night stay in hospital having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.
Her Majesty announced her husband’s death at midday and Buckingham Palace said in a statement that it was with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
And that His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle, and that further announcements would be made in due course. The Royal Family join people around the globe in mourning his death.
His passing plunges the country and the Royal Family into sadness and brings to an end Philip’s lifetime of service to Britain and to Elizabeth, the Queen who adored him since her teens.
Boris Johnson addressed the country outside No 10 Downing Street and said that we give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the remarkable life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
He added that speaking on their golden wedding anniversary, Her Majesty said that our country owed her husband a greater debt than he would ever claim or we shall ever know and that he was sure that estimate was true, as we mourn today with Her Majesty The Queen.
Boris Johnson said that we shall remember the duke for all of this and above all for his constant support for Her Majesty The Queen. Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her strength and stay, of more than seventy years.
And he said that it’s Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s attention must turn to today because they’ve lost not just a much loved and deeply respected public figure, but a loving husband and a proud and caring father, grandfather, and in recent years, great grandfather.
Boris Johnson also praised his Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which has shaped and motivated the lives of many young people.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said that as we recover and repair after the disastrous trial of the coronavirus pandemic, we will require determination and a deep understanding of dedication to helping others, and that during his life, Prince Philip demonstrated those attributes in abundance, and that he prayed that we can take inspiration from his example.
Prince Philip was always his own man, and he had an amazing life.
Prince Philip once famously said that if he’s reincarnated, he would like to return as a deadly virus, so that he can contribute something to solving overpopulation.
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