HIS ROYAL Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
In a statement released this lunchtime, the Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
The county welcomed Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the county in 2012 at the opening of the Hive in Worcester.
As well as opening the landmark building in the heart of Worcester, a reception was held at the Guildhall for civic heads and charity chiefs from across the region.
After the reception, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh engaged in their traditional walkabout on the High Street speaking to hundreds of delighted members of the crowd.
The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge said: “Millions of people, not just in this country but across the globe, will be saddened to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. As a most wonderful consort to Her Majesty the Queen, he has been centre stage for decades, bringing his considerable wisdom and wit to bear on so many situations.
“I join in giving thanks for the long life of a remarkable man and pray that he will rest in peace and rise in glory. I pray for comfort for all who mourn his passing, especially Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family.”
The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “Prince Philip was a much-loved figure on the world stage for many decades. His support for Her Majesty the Queen throughout their long marriage, and his devotion to duty through countless public engagements until very recently, mark him out as one of the great men of our time.
“We mourn his passing, and are united in prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family.”
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