Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s Husband, Has Died at the Age of 99

Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, has died on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. He was the longest-serving consort of any British monarch in history and has been married to his queen for 73 years.

“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,” said a statement posted on the family’s website the morning of his death. “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.”

Following the announcement of his death, the flag at Buckingham Palace (the Prince and his wife’s former home) was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates.

Prince Philip had only returned to his home at Windsor Castle, where they moved to just last, in mid-March after spending a month in hospital. He had been in and out of the hospital several times within the past few years for various treatments and was already in the process of planning his own funeral, wanting to ensure that his military achievements and his conservation efforts were reflected in some way.

Due to the pandemic, there will be various commemorations of his death. Likely, a funeral will be held for family at Windsor Castle.

“They can’t have the processions through London,” said CNN anchor and royal correspondent Max Foster. “They can’t have floral memorials, because they don’t want to encourage crowds.”

Besides the hospital visits, Prince Philip has not been in public very much since 2017. The Queen, however, has made several public appearances while her husband was in the hospital and though she has taken a step back, is still very active within the walls of the royal family.