We are incredibly sad to have learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Our thoughts also turn to Her Majesty The Queen and his family at this deeply sad time.
He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939, aged 18, where he built a distinguished career and having reached the rank of commander, he sacrificed his promising Naval career to serve in consort alongside HM The Queen in 1952. As part of his royal duties he made 20,219 engagements and delivered over 5,000 speeches and titled himself “the world’s most experience plaque unveiler”.
In 1956, he launched the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for young people to encourage them to grow and improve themselves through challenging activities and valuable experiences
On top of his duty to the Queen in her Consort, he was her beloved husband. They are the only royal couple to have celebrated both their diamond and platinum wedding anniversary. His commitment to the Queen was unfaltering, with her having described him as her “constant strength and stay”. Having had four children, HRH The Prince Philip was a much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather.