Prince Philip Dies At 99, Plunging Nation In Sorrow
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – Prince Philip, the husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced Friday. He was already some time in frail health.
The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, was the longest-serving consort in British history, accompanying his wife throughout her near 70- year reign.
It wasn’t always without embarrassing incidents. He earned a reputation for an uncompromising, no-nonsense attitude and a propensity for occasional gaffes.
Prince Philip returned to Windsor Castle on March 26 after a month in hospital. However, the medical treatment couldn’t extend his life on Earth much longer.
“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,” the palace said in a statement.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
A Greek prince, Philip married Elizabeth in 1947. He later played a crucial role in modernizing the monarchy in the post-World War Two period. However, behind Buckingham Palace’s walls, he was the one key figure the queen could turn to and trust, friends and foes said.
“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth explained in a rare personal tribute to Philip, made in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Prince Philip “consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own.” And, “in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service,” the bishop stressed.
Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister said reflected those sentiments saying the duke had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.”
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