Boris Johnson has led tributes following the news the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip has died at the age of 99
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh following the news of his death from Buckingham Palace this morning.
In a statement outside Downing Street, he said:
"We mourn today with Her Majesty the Queen, we offer our condolences to her and all her family and we give thanks as a nation and a kingdom for the extraordinary work of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
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"He helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life."
He added: "It is with Her Majesty and her family that our nation's thoughts must turn today."
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, saying:
"The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip. Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country."
Philip had long been suffering from a number of health concerns, including a
recent heart surgery from which he had only just recovered from.
The Duke was recently treated following the procedure at both King Edward VII Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital when he also contracted an infection.
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Flags on landmark buildings around Britain have been lowered to half-mast as a period of mourning is announced.
The funeral arrangements are set to be made over the coming days. He will be buried in Frogmore Gardens, located within the grounds of Windsor Castle, the Queen's primary residence.
He was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years; they wed in 1947, five years before Elizabeth was officially coronated and she called him her “strength and stay” throughout their long life and marriage.
He is survived not only by the Queen but a total of four children, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
