UK: Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, dies at 99
Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip (99), has died, the British Royal Family announced in a statement on Friday. He would have turned 100 on June 10, 2021. The Duke of Edinburgh had been ailing for a long time and had been discharged from a hospital in London just last month. The exact cause of death has not been revealed as yet.
The Royal Family said on Friday, "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." "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
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.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
The Duke had been taken to King Edward VII's hospital in London on February 16. Reportedly, he was feeling unwell and had walked into the hospital unaided. He was briefly transferred to St Bartholomew's where he underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition. He was discharged on March 16 after a month's stay in the hospital.
The exact reason for his initial admission was never disclosed. However, Buckingham Palace had said that the illness was not related to the coronavirus and that the Duke was being treated for an infection.
Prince Philip had retired from royal duties back in 2017. At the time, he had joked that he was the "world's most experienced plaque unveiler." Over the years, he had received treatment for various health conditions, including a blocked coronary artery in 2011, a bladder infection in 2012, and exploratory surgery on his abdomen in June 2013.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth were married on November 20 in 1947, roughly five years before the latter ascended the throne. At the time, the Queen was 21 and the Duke was 26. They had celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary last year. The couple has four children: Prince Charles (born 1948), Princess Anne (1950), Prince Andrew (1960), and Prince Edward (1964).
