Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip dies at 99
Buckingham Palace confirmed the death of Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, at midday, weeks after he was treated in hospital for an infection. He was 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history. He headed hundreds of charities, founded programmes that helped British schoolchildren participate in challenging outdoor adventures and played a prominent part in raising his four children.
In the obituary posted by the House of Windsor, Philip was remembered for his success in using his position to make a huge contribution in helping the monarchy come to terms with changing social attitudes over the years.
In a rare personal tribute to Philip in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, the Queen said that Prince Philip has been her source of strength.
“He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments, but he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years. And I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.”
Philip is survived by the Queen and their four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
No state funeral due to pandemic
Arrangements of Prince Philip’s funeral have been revised due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to exclude lying in state and other ceremonies with public participation, the College of Arms, Britain’s heraldic authority, said.
“His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes,” it said in a statement.
“It is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.”
Final recommendations regarding the format and timeframe of the funeral will be given by the United Kingdom government, following consultations of Lord Chamberlain Andrew Parker, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Queen Elizabeth II. After that, the date of the funeral will be announced by Buckingham Palace.
Meanwhile, an online book of condolence has been made available on the royal website for those who wish to send a personal message of condolence.
The royal family have asked the public to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes.
Flags at Buckingham Palace and at government buildings across Britain were lowered to half-mast, and within an hour of the announcement and rhe royal family’s website was also shut down, replaced by a photo of Philip and the announcement of his death.
Remembering Prince Philip
Within moments of the announcement of his death, thousands of people took to social media to honor or share pointed views on the legacy of the the Duke of Edinburgh, who would have turned 100 in June.
Here are some of the tributes from around the world.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the nation will remember the Duke for his steadfast support for Her Majesty.
“Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, 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.” said US President Joe Biden.
Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau noted that “Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Philip was “indeed a friend to Jamaica,” who had supported the countries efforts to develop its education system.
Mia Mottley said that Barbados will remember him fondly for the promotion of The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme which has had an enormous impact on our young people here and of course on young people all through the Commonwealth.
Prince Philip’s children have also paid tribute to their father following his death aged 99, with Charles praising the Duke of Edinburgh’s “astonishing” energy.