Prince Philip, a staunch supporter for more than seven decades of his wife Queen Elizabeth II and the British crown, died on Friday at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle.
Known for his impetuous character, even his blunders but also for his dedication to royalty despite crises and storms, the Duke of Edinburgh, born Prince of Greece and Denmark, was released three weeks ago from the hospital.
He had spent a month there for an infection and then a heart problem.
In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the royal family announced the death of the queen's husband, stating that "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle".
The shock wave of the official statement quickly spread throughout the monarchy.
Many Britons have come to the gates of Buckingham Palace in London to see Prince Philip's official obituary and lay flowers there.
“My mother came out the front door and came to tell me that Prince Philip was dead.
I rushed home to check the news, then went to buy some flowers.
You don't see him now, but I broke down in tears earlier and I really can't imagine the monarchy without him, ”says Diana, a young woman from London.
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In front of Windsor Castle, still others remember Prince Philip as a symbol of the "stability" of the monarchy.
“I'm very old and I've never known my life without him,” says Christine, a Southend resident.
He has always been a part of my life.
I think it's very sad.
I think it will be a great loss, he has been such a loyal husband to the Queen.
He's always been there, a step behind her, to support her, and it's very sad.
I am very sorry for the queen and how she must be feeling ”.
From 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to offer the nation's condolences to Queen Elizabeth II and recalled the memory "of a much loved and well-respected public figure, devoted husband and father. , a grandfather and, in recent years, a proud and loving great-grandfather ”.
