Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, has died: palace

Buckingham Palace officials say, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband and the Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on Friday at the age of 99.

Philip was hospitalised for a month before this year before getting released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle.

A Greek prince, he married Elizabeth in 1947, playing a significant role in reshaping the monarchy in the post-World War Two period, and becoming the one key figure the queen could turn to and trust behind the walls of Buckingham Palace. He was also the longest-serving consort in British history, retiring from public appearances in 2017 after carrying out more than 20,000 of them.

Born in 1921, Philip was a member of the Greek royal family, on the Greek island of Corfu. He was an enthusiastic sportsman who enjoyed rural activities. He had 4 children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the palace stated in a statement.

"This morning, His Royal Highness passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made as they become accessible. The Royal Family joins people all over the world in mourning his death," as per the statement.

"He has simply been my power and stay all these years," Elizabeth said in a rare personal tribute to Philip delivered in 1997 during a speech commemorating their 50th wedding anniversary.

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.

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021