Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh dies, aged 99

9 April 2021, 12:13 | Updated: 10 April 2021, 17:41

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has died peacefully aged 99 his morning at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Prince Philip: The Duke of Edinburgh Dies Aged 99

A statement was made at midday on Friday 9 April, which said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

In May 2017 it was announced that The Duke of Edinburgh had decided, with full support of The Queen, to no longer carry out public engagements.

Whilst he had recently been hospitalised for a month for illnesses related to a pre-existing heart condition, he had, for most of his life, enjoyed excellent health.

Following a successful naval career during which he saw active service in the Second World War, The Duke of Edinburgh began to focus on his work in support of The Queen following her Accession in 1952.

In 2009, he became the longest serving British consort (companion to the Sovereign), a distinction previously held by Queen Charlotte, George III’s consort.

His Royal Highness also had many interests which he pursued separately to his work with Her Majesty, including conservation, engineering, and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award which he founded in 1956.

The Duke of Edinburgh was Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he continued to be associated after his retirement, although he no longer played an active role by attending engagements.

Though probably best known for founding The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1956, His Royal Highness was also involved in the work of many more charities and organisations which reflected his wide-ranging interests in topics including conservation, sport, the military and engineering.

The Duke of Edinburgh: 1921 - 2021