World leaders are paying tribute to Prince Philip who died at Windsor Castle on Friday, aged 99 years—two months short of clocking 100 years.
Philip was husband to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom for 73 years—the longest serving royal companion in British history.
Announcing his death in a media statement, Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband. The Royal Family joins with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
The Duke of Edinburgh died in the morning on Friday at Windsor Castle (one of the British royal family’s official residences) barely weeks after being discharged from hospital on March 16 after spending weeks of treatment for an undisclosed infection.
In his tribute monitored on BBC television, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Philip inspired the lives of countless young people.
Johnson said: “Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world….He was one of the last surviving people to have served in the Second World War.”
Meanwhile, many leaders from Africa and beyond have been paying tribute to Philip following his death barely two months before clocking his 100th birthday in June.
US President Joe Biden said: “Over the course of his 99-year life, [Philip] saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family.”
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta said the Duke of Edinburgh was a global unifying factor.
Meanwhile, the Queen reportedly entered eight days of mourning on Friday while many flags flew at half mast in the UK.
