Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip, Dies at 99
99 flags were flown at half staff in the U.K. after the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth’s husband, for more than seven decades. Prince Philip has been a constant presence by Queen Elizabeth II's side and the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the family said in a statement. Prince Philip had recently been hospitalized for treatment on a pre-existing heart condition. He was discharged in March after staying in hospital for a month following an operation. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark on Corfu's island in 1921, he married the queen, then still Princess Elizabeth in 1947, when he was 26 and 21. They were third cousins; both descended from Queen Victoria.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, spent much of his adult life walking a step or two behind his wife, accompanying her to state dinners, garden parties, and charitable events. They were credited with pushing the monarchy behind the scenes to be more open and accessible to the British public. He was also affiliated with some 800 organizations, including numerous charities. Prince Philip carried out his public duties until August 2017, when he made his final official appearance at a Royal Marine parade at Buckingham Palace. Known for his sometimes outspoken remarks, Prince Philip treated his role as consort as an act of duty above anything else.
His passing marks the start of a generational transition for Britain’s royal family, a bastion of stability for the nation since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952. Queen Elizabeth II, now 94, is increasingly stepping back from royal duties, with their eldest son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, taking up the mantle. Though he was born into a royal family, Prince Philip had a relatively rough childhood. "They lived an “impoverished” life in exile in a house provided by a relative on the outskirts of Paris, according to “The Queen: Elizabeth II and the Monarchy,” a biography by Ben Pimlott.
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