Prince Philip, Husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Passed Away at Age 99; 2 Months from His 100th Birthday

The British royal family is in flux.

News of Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sparked controversy, and the family’s response to the issue wasn’t exactly reassuring.

Then, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan left the royal family, renouncing their royal patronages.

Now, unexpected death has befallen the family.

Prince Philip, Husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Passed Away at Age 99; 2 Months from His 100th Birthday

Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II has died at age 99, just two months away from his 100th birthday.

Just last month, Prince Phillip was hospitalised for four weeks for an unspecified illness – not COVID-19 – and underwent a successful heart procedure.

The cause of his death has not been revealed. The royal family only said the Duke of Edinburgh had died “peacefully” at the monarch’s residence.

Condolences Pour In

Many world leaders offered their condolences to the royal family upon hearing the news, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“We remember the Duke… above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort, by her side, every day of her reign, but as her husband, has strength and stay of more than 70 years. And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today”, he said.

US President Joe Biden called Prince Phillip a “heck of a guy”, saying his legacy will live on through his charitable endeavours.

“The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more”, he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences as well on Twitter.

My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2021

A World War II Veteran

Unbeknownst to many, Prince Phillip was a former Royal Navy officer and World War II, veteran.

He enrolled as a cadet in 1939 when war with Germany seemed inevitable.

The 99-year-old was involved in numerous sea battles and took part in the Allied landings on Sicily.

It was during his time at sea that he met the young Princess Elizabeth, whom he affectionately called Lilibet.

The couple announced their engagement in 1947, and had been together for 74 years.

In a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, Queen Elizabeth paid a rare personal tribute to her husband:

“He has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years,” she said.

Featured Image: Youtube (The Straits Times)