General News
10 April, 2021
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99
The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest serving consort to a monarch in British history, has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Prince Philip, died peacefully at Windsor Castle.
The Royal Family announced the news at noon UK time.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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 joins with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
With this announcement a number of traditions are commenced. The Royal Standard, the flag of the Family was lowered to half mast at Buckingham Palace whilst an official statement of the death was placed on the palace gates.
The College of Arms, responsible for state ceremonies, has issued a statement regarding the Duke’s funeral arrangements will be.
The funeral will not be a state funeral and the consort’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
“This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes,” said the statement.
The College of Arms said the arrangements have been revised in view of the COVID-19 pandemic “and it is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral arrangements.”
The Royal Family issued the following statement regarding the funeral.
“During the current public health situation, Books of Condolence will not be available for the public to sign. The Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke.”
Overnight the world has responded to the news with an outpouring of tributes to a man described as the Queen’s “Rock”.
Piers Morgan, a staunch monarchist said on twitter: “Thank you, Prince Philip. You were the greatest of Britons - a selfless, strong-willed and ferociously loyal man who devoted your life to public duty, your beloved Queen and your adoptive country.”
The Belgian Royal Palace released this statement: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. Philippe and Mathilde
Ex-Prime Minister, Tony Abbott released: “The world seems a little emptier tonight because Prince Phillip has been a part of our lives for so long that it’s hard t0 grasp that he’s gone.
“He’s lived a long life of duty and service – to the whole Commonwealth but above all to his Queen.
“Even as we mourn his passing, we should be uplifted by his example.
“He combined great character with being a dutiful royal and demonstrated over eight decades that there is no better life than one lived in service of others.”
The Queen and Prince Phillip visited Cairns during the Royal Visit in 1954. Her Queensland schedule included Brisbane, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Mackay Rockhampton and Cairns.
