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Prince Philip Dead at 99 — Read the Official Statement From the Royal Family
Rest in peace, Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth‘s husband sadly died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, the royal family confirmed in a statement. In recent years, Philip had battled a string of health issues including hip surgery and a cracked rib. He was also recently hospitalized.
“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,” the royal family’s statement read. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.” Philip’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
The news comes after the royal was taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London in February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed to Us Weekly. The palace announced at the time his hospitalization was a “precautionary measure,” and he was released a month later in March.
Philip was born on June 10, 1921. He married his wife of 72 years, Elizabeth, on November 20, 1947, and the couple later welcomed four kids together: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Their captivating life has been portrayed through the hit Netflix show The Crown with Philip played by actors Matt Smith and Tobias Menzies.
Fans haven’t seen much of him in recent months considering he announced he’d be retiring from royal life in 2018. “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen. Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen,” a spokesperson said at the time. “Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
“The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organizations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements,” the note continued. “Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full program of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family.”
Philip will be missed by not only the royal family — including wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids — but by fans all around the globe as well. “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement added, noting “further announcements will be made in due course,” including his service arrangements.
We’re sending our wishes to Elizabeth and her loved ones.
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