Prince Philip: The Stalwart Soldier
The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, has died. He was 99 years old.
On Friday afternoon local time, Buckingham Palace announced the death of the prince, who had been married to the Queen for more than 70 years. “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 be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Prince Philip is survived by his 73-year-old wife, Queen Elizabeth, their daughter Princess Anne, and their three sons: next-in-line-to-the-throne Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, who retired from public life in August 2017. He also has eight grandchildren, including Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as nine great-grandchildren, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII hospital in London on Feb. 16 after "feeling unwell," according to a previous statement from Buckingham Palace. After an infection was treated and a test for a pre-existing heart condition was successful, he was released a month later. He made his way back to Windsor Castle, where he and the Queen have been staying.
Philip, who would have turned 100 in June, has struggled with his health in recent years.
In March 2018, he unexpectedly cancelled his appearance at the annual Maundy church service, which he had planned to attend with the monarch. Philip also missed Easter Sunday services that year, ahead of his hip replacement surgery announcement.
The Prince spent four days in hospital in December 2019 for observation and treatment of an undisclosed pre-existing illness, according to the palace at the time.
Prince Phillip was born to PrinceAndrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, but his childhood was not exactly as royal as you would think, his family was expelled from the country when he was a child. Prince Philip entered the British Royal Navy in 1939 after receiving his education in France and Germany.
He gave up his Greek and Danish royal titles before marrying Queen Elizabeth in 1947, becoming a native born British subject and being made Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich before the wedding in Westminster Abbey.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's union was the longest royal marriage in British history, spanning over 72 years.
He met the young, 13 years old Queen Elizabeth ll at the wedding of his cousin, Princess Marina of Greece. He was 18 years old at that time! During World War II, when he was serving as first lieutenant of HMS Wallace, the two would exchange letters.
Philip was initially disliked by the Queen's parents because he was a "prince without a country." In 1946, however, he proposed in secret, and she accepted without hesitation. And then eventually tied the knot in 1947.
Queen Elizabeth ll was always all praise for her husband, Price Phillip.
“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” The Queen said in a personal tribute to Prince Phillip on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.
He was the first member of the royal family to appear on television. He hosted a show about a royal tour of the Commonwealth. He is also said to have helped organise a groundbreaking 1969 television documentary about the family, as well as televising the queen's coronation in 1953.
The Prince was a supporter of many environmental, sporting, and educational organisations. His first solo engagement as Duke of Edinburgh was at the Royal Albert Hall, where he presented prizes at the London Federation of Boys' Clubs boxing finals. He also wrote several books on horsemanship and environmental issues.
The Prince will be missed dearly!