Queen Elizabeth II’s Husband, Prince Philip, Dies At 99

Two months before his 100th birthday, Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and the longest-serving royal consort in British history, died on Friday morning, 9th of April 2021 at the age of 99. While his cause of death is yet to be disclosed to the general public, the royal family announced that he died a ‘peaceful death’ at Windsor Castle. The whole of the United Kingdom currently mourns the death of the Duke. Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on 10 June 1921. Married in 1947, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke spent the last 73 years together and were blessed with four children, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

It was reportedly said that before heading to Windsor Castle in March, the Duke had undergone heart surgery in two London hospitals. Other sources pointed out that he underwent several medical procedures such as abdominal and hip surgery due to bladder infection in 2012, as well as heart condition surgery in March 2021. The Prince died after three weeks upon his return to Windsor Castle. Prince Philip’s funeral has been planned to hold on the 17th of April, 2021 at St George's Chapel, Windsor. However, due to the ongoing covid-19 rule, restricting the total number of people attending funerals to 30, Prince Philip’s burial will be done on a low key, hence, will not be a state funeral to avoid going against the pandemic rule. At the funeral, at exactly 3 pm prior to the ceremony, a national minute’s silence and a gun salute will be observed.

Following the tradition, and in honor of the Duke’s death, the bells of London's Westminster Abbey, where Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth 73 years ago was rung 99 times on the morning of 9 April. Also, no laws will be passed in an eight-day mourning period for the Duke in the UK. On 11 April, there will be a church service in Sydney an avenue for the Australian officials to pay their last respect to the Duke. Being a noteworthy figure in the Commonwealth of Nations, lots of comments have been going around acknowledging the Duke’s generosity and patronage of organizations in all sections of the Commonwealth. Other numerous tributes have been written to honor the death of the Duke globally. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Prince had had a "distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace." Joe Biden, former US President said Philip had "gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and his family," and that his legacy would live on "not only through his family but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped." Harry and Meghan also had something to say about the Prince’s death: "In loving memory of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021. Thank you for your service ... you will be greatly missed." UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains the institution indisputably vital to the balance of our national path. He was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world, long before it was fashionable."

Word has it that Queen Elizabeth will greatly miss her late husband as he was her confider, supporter, her friend, and adviser. During his lifetime, Prince Philip was always seen accompanying the Queen on royal engagements. The Queen would often refer to him as her "constant strength and guide.” His death, undoubtedly, will have tremendous impacts on the Queen. Rest in peace Prince Philip. The world misses you!