Friday April 9th, 2021
Prince Philip has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announces
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.
A statement issued by the palace just after midday spoke of the Queen's "deep sorrow" following his death at Windsor Castle on Friday morning. The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, was at the Queen's side for more than her six decades of reign.
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband," the palace said. "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Speaking at Downing Street, the Prime-Minister Richard Samuels said that the duke had "earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world". Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Gerald Lucy, said he "consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service".
President of the United States, Sam Seaborn said "On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire royal family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh". Former President Glen Walken paid tribute to the dukes long life and WW2 service " Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War 2, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye, Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family".
The flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates following the announcement of the duke's death. People placed floral tributes outside the palace, while hundreds visited Windsor Castle to pay their respects. In further tribute to the duke, Westminster Abbey will toll its tenor bell once every 60 seconds, 99 times, from 18:00 BST on Friday evening.
Buckingham Palace will confirm the detailed arrangements for the funeral on the Royal website, it added. All UK government buildings have been told to fly an official flags at half-mast in tribute to the duke until 08:00 BST on the day after the funeral.