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UK mourns Prince Philip - 14th April 2021

The UK is in mourning following the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen's consort, on Friday 9th April.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson broke the news to the nation shortly after the official announcement was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, the monarch's London residence.

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."

Many Britons commemorated the Prince by placing flowers outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Some were almost overcome with grief.

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."

Born in Corfu to the Royal House of Greece and Denmark, the Prince's family were forced into exile after a military coup. Philip was educated in Britain and first encountered the future Queen as a young cadet in the Royal Navy. Prince Philip wedded Princess Elizabeth in 1947 at Westminster Abbey, where she was crowned just five years later. The Duke was the longest serving consort of any British monarch.

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."

Flags were set at half mast and 99 tolls rang out from Westminster Abbey to mark the passing of the Prince at the age of 99, just 2 months prior to his 100th birthday.

The period of national mourning will last until 8am the day after the Duke's funeral, which will be held on 17th April at Windsor Castle.

Ongoing coronavirus regulations will restrict the ceremony to just 30 attendees. Prince Harry is expected to return from the United States for the occasion.

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."