Husband of Queen Elizabeth was longest-serving royal consort in British history. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth, died today at 99. He was the longest-serving royal consort in British history, and deeply devoted to his duty in that role. His death, announced by Buckingham Palace, came more than 3½ years after Philip formally stepped back from public life, a retreat that had been happening gradually for several years.
In an interview in June 2011 with the BBC, the no-nonsense Philip spoke about “winding down” and reducing his workload as a member of the Royal Family.“I reckon I’ve done my bit so I want to enjoy myself a bit now, with less responsibility, less frantic rushing about, less preparation, less trying to think of something to say,” he said.
His final official public engagement came on Aug, 2, 2017, when he attended a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace and met servicemen who had taken part in a charity race. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement Friday calling Philip “a man of great service to others” who maintained a special relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and was a patron to more than 40 Canadian organizations.
“Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others,” he said. “He will be fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen – a lifelong companion who was always at her side offering unfailing support as she carried out her duties.”
Queen Elizabeth, in Deep Mourning, Arrives at Husband Prince Philip’s Funeral
The day after Prince Philip’s death, Sophie, Countess of Wessex tearfully said “the Queen
has been amazing” Queen Elizabeth is laying her husband of 73 years to rest.
Dressed in black, the monarch arrived at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday for husband Prince Philip’s funeral. The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9 at the age of 99. The Queen was accompanied by Lady Susan Hussey, her lady-in-waiting, and followed the procession in her State Bentley.
In keeping with pandemic guidelines, the Queen and members of the congregation wore face masks and sat six feet apart. Sitting inside the chapel, the Queen could be seen with her face down, only the top of her black hat visible. The day after Prince Philip’s death, the Queen’s daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex tearfully told people gathered outside Windsor Castle that “the Queen has been amazing.”
Source: people.com
