Prince Philip Dies – Prince Philip of The Royal Family Passes Away At 99.
Prince Philip Dies At 99 on Son Prince Charles’ 16th Wedding Anniversary With Duchess Camilla
April 9 has new meaning for the Royal Family. Prince Charles’ father Prince Philip dies on his & Duchess Camilla’s 16th wedding anniversary.
Following 99 years, Prince Philip has passed away.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the heartbreaking news on April 9. “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,” read the statement. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
With grieving will also come a celebration of an immeasurable legacy. For the next eight days, Buckingham Palace staff will formally observe his death. While Queen Elizabeth II will enter her own mourning period, she will refrain from any work. Additionally, state affairs will come to a halt out of respect for the late British royal.
Military establishments & prominent locations; like Downing Street in the City of Westminster, will honor the Duke of Edinburgh by flying all official flags at half-mast. They will be doing this from now until 8:00 a.m. on the day following the funeral. However, Buckingham Palace’s Royal Standard Flag will not be lowered as a symbol of the monarchy’s continued progression.
Prince Philip Wishes Before He Dies
There are two types of funerals: state and ceremonial. The former is typically limited to Sovereigns. But can be extended to include more with approval from The Queen and Parliament, according to The House of Commons Library; which cites the Royal Encyclopedia. A ceremonial funeral—which Princess Diana had after her 1997 passing; is “for those members of the Royal Family who hold high military rank. For the consort of the Sovereign and heir to the throne,” notes The House of Commons Library.
According to the College of Arms, Prince Philip’s funeral will not be a state funeral and will not be preceded by a Lying-in-State. The College noted the Duke of Edinburgh’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of a funeral at St George’s Chapel; in line with custom and with his wishes. In 2013, The Sunday Times reported Prince Philip insisted against making any “fuss” over his death.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, funeral arrangements have been revised & it is asked that members of the public do not attempt to attend; or participate in any events related to the funeral.
Following his funeral, Prince Philip will reportedly be laid to rest in Windsor Castle’s Frogmore Gardens. Family, friends and other closely-tied officials will gather at St. George’s Chapel for funeral services.
Thirty days after Prince Philip’s passing, Queen Elizabeth II will presumably return to her various official engagements; though to what extent is unclear. Similarly, it’s currently unknown where she will reside, though speculation points to either Balmoral Castle in Scotland or Windsor Castle.
As for Prince Philip’s titles—including His Royal Highness, Duke of Edinburgh. Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich; the College of Arms notes “these peerages are hereditary & on the death of His Royal Highness have now been; passed down to his eldest son” Prince Charles.
In 2017, Prince Philip retired from royal duties, and in the years after seldom public appearances. He was hospitalized in 2019 for treatment related to a pre-existing condition, and again in Feb 2021 after “feeling unwell”; Buckingham Palace noted at the time. After a month of hospital stays—as well as a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition and treatment for an infection—Prince Philip was discharged and returned to Windsor Castle on March 16.
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