April 9, 2021
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away at the age of 99.
Windsor, United Kingdom | British Royal Family
On April 9, 2021, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in British royal history, as he was the longest-serving consort in British history, having been married to Queen Elizabeth II for over 73 years.
Born on June 10, 1921, on the Greek island of Corfu, Prince Philip was originally Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, a member of the Greek and Danish royal families. His early life was marked by upheaval; his family fled Greece when he was an infant due to political instability. He was educated in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom before joining the Royal Navy in 1939.
In 1947, he married Princess Elizabeth, the heir presumptive to the British throne. Upon marriage, he was given the titles of Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth’s marriage was a cornerstone of the royal family, and they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.
Prince Philip devoted much of his life to supporting the Queen and undertaking numerous public engagements. He was involved with over 780 organizations and founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956, which has helped millions of young people worldwide achieve personal and skills development goals.
Prince Philip’s passing was a moment of reflection on his enduring contribution to British life and the monarchy. He was known for his dedication to service, his support of various causes, and his sometimes forthright, often humorous, public persona. His legacy continues to impact the numerous organizations he patronized and the charitable initiatives he supported.
His funeral was held on April 17, 2021, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was scaled down with only 30 guests in attendance, adhering to public health guidelines. The event was a private family gathering, in line with the Duke’s wishes.
Prince Philip’s death was mourned across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, with tributes pouring in from around the world, recognizing his substantial contributions to public service and his steadfast support for the Queen.
Source: www.bbc.com