UK mourns Prince Philip - 14th April 2021

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and longest serving consort in the British monarchy, died on Friday 9th April.

Shortly after the official statement notifying the public of the Prince's death had been posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace, the royal residence in London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation.

Boris Johnson: "It was with great sadness that a short time ago I received word from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99. Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world."

Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle were inundated with grief stricken mourners laying flowers for the late Duke.

Diana: "You're not seeing it now but I was in floods of tears earlier and I just, I can't really imagine the monarchy without him."

The Corfu born Prince of the Royal House of Greece and Denmark was, along with his family, exiled from his homeland after the Greek military seized power. Completing his education in Britain, Philip enlisted in the Royal Navy, first became acquainted with the young Princess Elizabeth as a naval cadet and the couple were married at Westminster Abbey just five years before the Queen ascended to the throne in 1952.

Peter: "I know he was a good man. He was controversial now and again, and said a few things out of turn, but he's been with the Queen over 70 years, longest consort that's ever been, and God, God rest his soul."

In tribute to the Duke, flags were half-masted and Westminster Abbey tolled its tenor bell 99 times to honour each year of his life. Philip, two months shy of his 100th birthday, also received 41 gun salute.

A period of national mourning has commenced and will continue until 8am on 18th April, the day after the Prince's funeral.

With Covid restrictions limiting the ceremony to just 30 people, the funeral will be a small and private affair. Philip's grandson Prince Harry is anticipated to fly in from the United States to attend the service, which will take place at Windsor Castle.

Anna: "I mean it's, it's tough to say, but it's almost the beginning of the end of an era, that sort of generation of the royal family. It's suddenly becoming very real that there's going to be changes."