Prince Philip has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace announces

Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 99 according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” read the statement released on Friday morning.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

“Further announcements will be made in due course.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Prince Philip spent a month in a central London hospital throughout February and March, undergoing a “procedure” for a pre-existing heart condition before being discharged on March 16.

News of his death has seen tributes flood in from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he received the news “with great sadness” and said Philip had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said “The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.”

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey also paid tribute to the late royal’s service to public life in the UK. He said: “We will always be grateful for his amazing service.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said online books of condolence will be opened in Scotland in the coming days to allow members of the public to pay respects. Sturgeon said: “The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle.

“From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over fifty years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day.”

Leading celebrities and public figures have also paid their respects.

Gary Lineker tweeted: “Sorry to hear that Prince Philip has passed away. Served this country over many, many decades. Sincerest condolences to Her Majesty, The Queen and The Royal Family. RIP Prince Philip.”

Sorry to hear that Prince Philip has passed away. Served this country over many, many decades. Sincerest condolences to Her Majesty, The Queen and The Royal Family. RIP Prince Philip.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 9, 2021

Prince Philip married then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947, and his 70 years married to the Queen makes him the longest-serving consort in history.

Prince Philip launched The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956 to give young people the chance to achieve and boost their skills – more than 400,000 young people across the country take part in the award every year.

He remained a patron of the charity behind the award throughout the rest of his life. In a statement acknowledging his death, the charity spoke of their “great sadness” and said he will be “sadly missed”.

It’s with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, he will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/27Ui8HFQAu

— The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (@DofE) April 9, 2021

This is a breaking news story and will be updated regularly.