Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain, dies at the age of 99. The Archbishop of Westminster says he will miss him a lot.
By Lydia O’Kane
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Friday said: “It is with great sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, Her Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness died peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
The prince had spent a month in hospital receiving treatment for an infection and underwent heart surgery before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle.
The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving consort in Britain. He was born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark and was named Prince of the United Kingdom after his marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947.
When he ascended the throne, Prince Philip devoted a lifetime of service to the queen and the country.
Condolences
Paying homage to the Duke, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “In this moment of sorrow and loss, I pray for the rest of the soul of Prince Philip, the faithful and faithful husband of Her Majesty the Queen. by the queen and by the whole royal family.
“How much we will miss the presence and character of Prince Philip, so full of life and vigor. He has been an example of firm loyalty and cheerful duty. May he rest in peace. ”
The Duke of Edinburgh gave up a promising naval career to support his wife and carried out 20,000 royal engagements promoting British interests both at home and abroad. He was with Queen Elizabeth when he met Pope Francis at the Casa Santa Marta in 2014.
The prince also met Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict VI during his pontificates.
Prince Philip retired from royal duties in 2017 after 65 years of service.
The Duke of Edinburgh is survived by the Queen and her four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anna, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.