Prince Philip has died. The 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II was the longest serving consort to any British monarch. He died this morning at Windsor Castle.
Her Majesty is expected to go into an eight day period of mourning. After the initial eight days, there will be another 30 days of Royal Mourning before the Queen returns to her public duties. All eyes will be on the Queen as she looks to continue her reign without her Philip.
Married In 1947
The pair were married in 1947. Philip thrived in his naval career, but he had to give that up after the Queen took the throne and he became consort.
Together, the pair helped modernize the monarchy during the 21st century.
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
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Prince Philip’s Expected Burial At Frogmore Gardens
A coffin with Prince Philip’s body is expected to be in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London in the coming days. But, it will not be open to the public. This is the same place where Princess Diana’s body lay for several days ahead of her funeral in 1997.
There will be a royal ceremonial funeral at Windsor Castle and a military procession in London.
However, the Duke of Edinburgh’s burial is expected to be at Frogmore Gardens on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Frogmore Gardens are off-limits to the public, so it will not be possible to go and visit Philip’s final resting place. The gardens are said to be special to the couple, and it’s where the Queen walks her corgis.
Most of Britain’s monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel, but both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried in a mausoleum in Frogmore Gardens.
Queen Victoria chose to buried there alongside her husband Prince Albert, who died 40 years before her on 14 December, 1861.
And, both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are great-great grandchildren of Victoria and Albert.
A new photograph of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh has been released to celebrate his 99th birthday tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June. The image was taken last week in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. ? Steve Parsons/PA Images #HappyBirthday pic.twitter.com/V301TWRlRT
— Majesty/Joe Little (@MajestyMagazine) June 9, 2020
Prince Philip’s Devotion
The Duke of Edinburgh’s devotion to his country and Royal responsibilities were clear to him. However, his role was rather undefined.
His job was to support his Queen and he did that for over seven decades.
RIP Prince Philip, 99.
A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty & was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign.
A very sad day for our country. Thank you, Sir. pic.twitter.com/ICO7wY9HXz— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 9, 2021
Will Prince Harry Attend His Grandfather’s Funeral?
Philip’s death comes as the Royal Family is dealing with its own drama.
During his grandfather’s hospitalization, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accused the royals of racism.
Last year, the pair fled Royal responsibilities to set down roots in Hollywood. The public now waits to see if Prince Harry will return to England for his grandfather’s funeral.
BACKSTORY: The Queen Breaks Her Silence After Meghan And Harry Accuse Royals Of Racism In Oprah Interview
The 94-year-old Queen ascended to the throne in 1952 following the death of King George VI.
As the longest serving British monarch, she has seen it all.
Now, she has to face it alone without Prince Philip.