Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 99 from health complications.
Buckingham Palace confirmed his death in an official statement released on Friday morning local time.
“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 official statement reads.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
The Duke of Edinburgh, who was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years, was said to be the monarch’s rock during her 69-year reign.
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The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II had four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Prince Philip’s life spanned nearly a century of European history, starting with his birth as a member of the Greek royal family and ending as Britain’s longest serving consort during a turbulent reign in which the thousand-year-old monarchy was forced to reinvent itself for the 21st century.
He spent most of his final years out of the spotlight, staying primarily at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk after retiring from royal duties in 2017 at the age of 96.
Philip spent a month in hospital earlier this year before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle.