The Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99, the Queen has announced.
In a statement on Friday, the royal family said: "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."
Philip endured a lengthy hospital stay earlier this year. He was treated at two London hospitals for an undisclosed infection in addition to a heart condition, before returning to Windsor to be with his wife the Queen.
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The royal, who retired from royal duties in 2017 and had effectively stepped back from public life, spent much of his time at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in recent years.
The Duke of Edinburgh leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. The most recent addition to the family was Princess Eugenie's little boy August, born earlier this year, while Prince Harry is currently expecting his second child with Meghan Markle.
The Queen and Prince Philip were married in November 1947 and celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in 2021. He was described by the monarch on their golden wedding anniversary as her "strength and stay".
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In a rare display of public emotion, the Queen said: "He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but 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."
Philip would have celebrated his 100th birthday in just a couple of months' time, on 10th June.
No details have been given in relation to the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral plans, but the royal family added: "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.
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"Further announcements will be made in due course."
Since the news was announced this afternoon, tributes and messages of sympathy have been flooding in for the royal family, who have taken down their official website in tribute to Prince Philip.
Featured Image Credit: PA