People across Lancashire pay tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
It was announced this afternoon that Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, has died.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“Further announcements will made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Philip, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history.
The Duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.
He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.
The Speaker of the House of Commons and Chorley MP, Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute on Twitter describing today as a 'very said day Her Majesty, the Royal Family and the whole country.'
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, said: "Everyone in Lancashire will join me in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who has played a prominent role in the life of our nation for almost 75 years.
We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have suffered the greatest loss, Her Majesty The Queen, Duke of Lancaster, The Prince of Wales and all members of The Duke’s family, and we think of all others affected personally by this sad news.
Players and match officials at Lancashire Cricket fell silent at Old Trafford to pay tribute ahead of their afternoon session.
Prince Philip - A life of service
During his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip attended over 22,000 solo engagements and gave over 5,000 speeches. The Duke of Edinburgh officially stepped down from royal engagements on 2nd August 2017, although in May 2018 he attended his grandson Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle.
The Duke, well-known for his refreshing sense of humour, revealed that he wouldn’t like the “fuss” of a full state funeral according to The Independent, although he is entitled to one, saying that he would prefer something more simple.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth married on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey in front of 2,000 guests. The couple, who were 21 and 26-years-old, had known each other since they were young children.
They had four children together - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.