The Royal Family is urging members of the public to consider making a donation to charity in memory of Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, father of Prince Charles and grandfather to Princes William and Harry, died yesterday at the age of 99.
A statement by Buckingham Palace on social media confirmed the sad news:
“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. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
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.
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
In a follow-up message, the family says that modified funeral arrangements will take place, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and they’re urging the public to pay their respects safely:
“With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with Government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds. Those wishing to express condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible and not to gather at Royal residences,” the statement reads.
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“During this time, the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh. An online Book of Condolences for those who wish to leave messages is available on the Royal website (www.royal.uk).”
Prince Philip, who had been married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, had been hospitalised several times in recent years and in May, 2017 announced his retirement from public life at the age of 95.
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But we still got mini appearances from him, most notably smiling and waving to crowds at Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s wedding in 2018.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have paid tribute to Prince Philip on their Archewell Foundation website with a statement that reads: “Thank you for your service…you will be greatly missed.”
(Feature Image Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com)