The Duke of Edinburgh has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Philip, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history.

The duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

The Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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 death of the duke comes in the midst of the worst public health crisis for generations as the UK and countries around the globe reel from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also taken place in the aftermath of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell Oprah interview which left the monarchy in crisis after Meghan accused an unnamed royal of racism and the institution of failing to help her when she was suicidal.

Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on March 16 to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital – his longest ever stay.

He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.

The duke had looked gaunt as he was driven away from King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London, having been pushed in a wheelchair to the waiting car.

Philip – father to the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – was just two months away from his 100th birthday in June.

He spent much of the Covid-19 crisis staying with the Queen at Windsor in HMS Bubble – the nickname given to the couple’s reduced household of devoted staff during lockdown.

Community answers

Book of condolences for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

"If you met the Duke of Edinburgh and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here. We will moderate content to ensure this remains a respectful space."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Janet Doreen Holmes Paul

Leave your tribute hereMy thoughts are with Her Majesty after the sad loss of Prince Philip. I lost my husband of 66 years last year to coronavirus, and it is still difficult.

From Community contributor

Leave your tribute hereR I P you will be missed, condolences to the royal family

From Maurice Fleisher

Leave your tribute hereAt the time the Duke was Patron of the British Kinematograph and Television Society and during some of his industry visits. I was twice honoured to be presented to him and to shake his hand at functions I attended. He was charming and showed genuine interest.

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Bucks Free Press: Maurice FleisherMaurice Fleisher

From Caroline wren

Leave your tribute hereThe world has lost a wonderful roll model. Sympathies and great love to his wife and family. Rest in peace. Prince of my heart ❤

From John Rayne-Davis

Leave your tribute hereA great man who influenced us all. He was an example of service of service to our nation. Deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen.

From Sarah Gammon

Leave your tribute hereWe are all sorry to hear of the sad passing of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Our sincere condolences to her Majesty, The Queen and the Royal family. He will live on in the legacy that he leaves to our nation. Sarah, Jo and Mitch Gammon. John Sargent.

From Catherine Young

Leave your tribute hereOur sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family on the very sad loss of HRH Prine Philip. A true gentleman until the end. We thank him for his service to our country, he was much loved and will be sorely missed by all. Sending our thoughts and prayers. The Young family

From Peter Rawbone

Leave your tribute hereWhat a great man. His devotion to his Wife, Queen, Family and Country was an inspiration to all. I will never forget seeing him at Windsor Castle driving his coach and horses at incredible speeds with a piece of cotton wool in his ear!

From Andrea Reed

Leave your tribute hereRIP Prince Philip, You will be missed by all. Our hearts go out to the Queen and her family at this sad time. He will always be with you in you hearts and minds, never will he be forgotten.

From Julie Ross

Leave your tribute hereThoughts and prayers go to Her Majesty and the royal family on the sad loss of the Duke of Edinburgh. He will be greatly missed by all.

From Sherry Tucker

Leave your tribute hereMay you rest in peace, our love and thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time x

From Kerry Diane Smith

Leave your tribute hereIt is a sad day that the nation will remember. The sad loss of a true gentleman. Rest in perfect paradise Remembered forever

From Sharon Gausman

Leave your tribute hereOur thoughts are with the queen and all the family at this extremely sad time.

From James Stafford

Leave your tribute herePrince Phillip has always been a man I have respected for the way he hasn't flinched from speaking his mind and being true to himself and this country. He stood up and spoke out what he believed in and I pray we get more men with back bone like him. The world is a poorer place without him. My thoughts and condolences are with the royal house hold, we will all grieve his passing.

From Community contributor

Leave your tribute hereSending my deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time of the The Duke of Edinburgh's passing. We mourn as a nation and keep the Royal Family in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time, God bless you all.

From Geraldine Quinn

Leave your tribute hereR I p Duke of Edinburgh condolences to the queen and royal family xx

From Bill Thompson ADCS USN (ret)

Leave your tribute hereAnother member of the Greatest Generation /veterans crosses the bar.. We won't see their type of character again sadly..

From Ricki Akhter Hussein(community advocate)

Leave your tribute hereInna Lillahe wa Inna Elaih Raji’oon... May His Soul Rest in Peace🇬🇧