Prince Philip, who had been husband to Queen Elizabeth for more than seven decades and helped modernize the British monarchy and guide the royal family through recurring crises, died Friday. He was 99 years old.
The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, stood by his wife during her 69-year reign, the longest reign in British history. During that time, he gained a reputation for his ruthless, rash behavior and a tendency to make occasional mistakes.
“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 palace said in a statement.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Flags at Buckingham Palace and British government buildings were lowered to half the staff and members of the public placed flowers in front of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth, 94, said in a rare personal tribute to Philip in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.
CTM News
09 April 2021
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