Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, described as the longest-serving consort of any British monarch, has died at age 99.
A statement posted on the royal family’s website Friday morning 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.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
The duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had spent four weeks in hospital earlier this year to receive treatment for an infection and has had a heart procedure, before returning to Windsor in early March.
He had been by the queen’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history.
Philip spent 65 years supporting the queen. He was reported to have retired from his public role in 2017 and staying largely out of the view since.
The New Diplomat recalls Prince Philip, a pilot by training had visited Nigeria in 2003 alongside Queen Elizabeth during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
