Prince Philip passes away - 14th April 2021

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on Friday 9th April.

Notice of his death was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, the Prince's London home.

Shortly after, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an official statement.

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."

People flocked to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to lay flowers and pay their respects.

Some were very affected by the Prince's death.

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."

Philip was a prince of the Royal House of Greece and Denmark. He was born on Corfu. However, his family had to leave Greece when the military took control. He attended school in the UK and then became an officer in the Royal Navy, during which time he met Princess Elizabeth. The pair were married in 1947, five years before Elizabeth became Queen.

Philip was well liked by much of the British public.

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."

The United Kingdom began a period of national mourning. Flags were flown at half mast and bells chimed 99 times at Westminster Abbey, the church where the Prince and the future Queen had married. Philip had lived to the age of 99, and passed just two months short of his 100th birthday.

The funeral service has been scheduled for 17th April. Although continuing Covid restrictions mean that only 30 people may be present, Prince Harry will return to attend.

Some people believe the Prince's death will lead to great change in the royal family.

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."