Prince Philip has passed away at age 99. The Royal Family announced the news in a statement that reads, "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 officially retired from his royal duties in 2017 amid concerns for his health. One of his final public appearances was the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Saint George’s Chapel in London in 2018. He also attended Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's private wedding ceremony in July 2020.
Over the course of his career as King Consort, the Duke of Edinburgh had 22,219 solo engagements, gave 5,496 speeches, and wrote 14 books. This extensive resume makes him one of the busiest members of the royal family. Prince Philip was also well known for his “self-deprecating sense of humor and quick wit,” according to Express. When he retired from royal duties on August 2, 2017, he quipped that he was “the world’s most experienced plaque-unveiler.”
Prince Philip became a member of the British Royal family when he married Queen Elizabeth II on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this past year. Queen Elizabeth spoke of her fierce bond with Philip on their 50th anniversary in 1997. “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
The Duke of Edinburgh passed after being taken to a London hospital on Wednesday (February 17) as a precautionary measure. Prince Philip had complained about "feeling unwell." The Palace later reveled he was suffering from an infection.
Prince Philip leaves behind his wife, Queen Elizabeth, their four children, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, as well as eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
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