Great Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away at the age of 99 years-old. He was the longest-serving consort in British history. The two had been married since 1947.
A couple of months ago, Prince Philip had a month’s stay at a local hospital; he returned to the castle on March 16. During his hospital stay, Prince Philip was treated for an infection and underwent heart surgery.
On Saturday, April 10, gun salutes will be fired across the United Kingdom to honor him.
“Across the United Kingdom, in Gibraltar, and on HM Ships at sea, saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes. The public are encouraged to observe the gun salutes from home, they will take place behind closed doors but broadcast online and on television,” stated the UK Ministry of Defence.
Furthermore, the College of Arms announced flags will be lowered to half-mast until Prince Philip’s funeral.
Sports teams in the U.K held a moment of silence in remembrance of Prince Philip prior to games being played.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden passed along their condolences to Queen Elizabeth II and her family in a press release:
“On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family. The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped.
Jill and I are keeping the Queen and to Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.”
In January of 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Susses Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left behind their royal responsibilities. And even after a recent jaw-dropping interview with Oprah, Prince Harry is reportedly returning home to attend his late grandfather’s funeral.
