Britain mourns Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip died on Friday 9th April.

News of his death was put up on the gates at Buckingham Palace in London. Later, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave an official announcement.

Boris Johnson: "It was with great sadness that a short time ago I received word from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99. Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world."

People went to Buckingham Palace. They left flowers for Prince Philip. Some people were very upset.

Diana: "You’re not seeing it now but I was in floods of tears earlier and I just, I can’t really imagine the monarchy without him."

Philip was born on the island of Corfu in Greece. He was a prince in the Royal House of Greece and Denmark, but he was sent to school in Britain.

The Prince joined the Royal Navy. When he was young, he met the future Queen. They got married in 1947.

Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was popular with many people.

Peter: "I know he was a good man. He was controversial now and again, and said a few things out of turn, but he’s been with the Queen over 70 years, longest consort that’s ever been, and God, God rest his soul."

In the UK, flags were lowered to half mast. The bells of Westminster Abbey, where Philip and the Queen married, rang 99 times. The Prince died at 99 years old, just 2 months before his 100th birthday.

Philip's funeral will take place on 17th April. Only 30 people can attend because of Covid rules. Prince Harry will come back from the USA for the event.

Some people think Philip's death will cause big changes to the royal family.

Anna: "I mean it's, it’s tough to say, but it’s almost the beginning of the end of an era, that sort of generation of the royal family. It’s suddenly becoming very real that there’s going to be changes." Weniger anzeigen