WORLD
Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh, dies at 99
Baku, April 9, AZERTAC
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died, a statement by Buckingham Palace said on Friday.
The statement said: “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.”
Philip, 99, was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, making him the longest-serving consort in British history. His 100th birthday was in June.
His duty was, above all, to serve and support the queen – both in a personal capacity as well as a public one such as on state occasions and royal visits.
After a series of small hospital admissions in 2011, 2012, and 2013, Prince Philip stepped down from public duties in May 2017. Earlier this year had his longest-ever stay in hospital, for a heart condition.
By that point he had carried out over 20,000 solo public engagements; for many decades, he was known as the busiest and most energetic member of the royal family. In line with his duties, he did, however, continue to make appearances beside the queen at major events.
Local media reported that the duke’s wish to have a royal ceremonial funeral rather than a state funeral will be respected, but no official details on the funeral have been announced.