Prince Philip Dead at 99, Buckingham Palace Announces: ‘It Is With Deep Sorrow’
Rest in peace, Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth‘s husband died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, the royal family announced in a statement.
“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,” the statement read. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”. Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister added, “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.”
The news comes after the royal was taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London in February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed to Us Weekly. The palace announced at the time his hospitalization was a “precautionary measure.”
Philip was born on June 10, 1921. He married his wife of 72 years, Elizabeth, on November 20, 1947, and the couple later welcomed four kids together: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Their captivating life has been portrayed through the hit Netflix show The Crown with Philip played by actors Matt Smith and Tobias Menzies.
Fans haven’t seen much of him in recent months considering he announced he’d be retiring from royal life in 2018. “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen. Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” a spokesperson said at the time. “Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
“The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements,” the note continued. “Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
Philip will be missed by not only the royal family — including wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids — but by fans all around the world as well. Details on the late duke’s funeral services will be announced in due course. In the meantime, we’re keeping the royal family in our thoughts and prayers.
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