Britain's Prince Philip dies at 99

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

"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," the palace said in a statement.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Prince Philip was a leading figure in the British royal family for almost seven decades.

A Greek prince, he married Elizabeth in 1947 playing a key role in modernising the monarchy in the post-World War Two period, and behind the walls of Buckingham Palace being the one key figure the queen could turn to and trust.

He had been by his wife's side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history, during which time he earned a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense attitude.

"He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years," Queen Elizabeth said in a rare personal tribute to Philip made in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

After completing more than 22,000 solo appearances, Philip retired from public life in August 2017, although after that he occasionally appeared at official engagements.

His last appearance was last July at a military ceremony at Windsor Castle, the royal palace west of London where he and the monarch have resided during COVID-19 lockdowns.

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. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021

World leaders react to the death

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson:

"We remember the Duke ... above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort, by her side, every day of her reign, but as her husband, has strength and stay of more than 70 years. And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation's thoughts must turn today."

"Like the expert carriage driver that he was 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."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel:

"The death of Prince Philip fills me with great sorrow. His friendship to Germany, his straightforwardness and his sense of duty will not be forgotten."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

"He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace."

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan:

"Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. His role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered."

Sultan Haitham of Oman:

"His Majesty the Sultan sends a message of condolence and sympathy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ... on the death of her husband"

King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain:

"HM King Hamad lauded the efforts of the late HRH Prince Philip to serve the United Kingdom and its friendly people."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres:

"He was known for his dedication to charitable causes as a patron of some 800 organizations, in particular those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education."