The Queen has described her "deep sorrow" in announcing the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, aged 99.
It is understood she was at the side of her husband of 73 years when he passed away "peacefully" last night.
The Duke of Edinburgh's death at Windsor Castle was announced late Friday night (NZT) and has sent Britain, and much of the Commonwealth, into a period of mourning ahead of his funeral next weekend.
The Prince was aged 99 and passed away at Windsor Castle. He is pictured with the Queen in November 18, 2007. Photo / Getty Images
Palace officials declined to "go into any specifics" about the nature of his death, but it is believed Philip's health condition worsened overnight on Thursday.
Insiders warned the Prince was "gravely ill" and it is thought he died suddenly and unexpectedly.
The Daily Telegraph has reported the Duke wished to pass away "in his own bed" and on "his own terms".
"He spent most of the four weeks he was in hospital trying to get home. They operated on his heart in a bid to give him a little longer, maybe with the 100th birthday in mind," a source told the Daily Telegraph.
"There is no way he would have wanted to die in hospital," the source added.
The Prince, whom the Queen described as her "strength and stay" during her record-breaking reign, died at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement late Friday night (NZT): "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.
A tribute to Britain's Prince Philip is projected onto a large screen at Piccadilly Circus in London following the news of his death. Photo / AP
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
The Duke of Edinburgh spent his final days at the castle with his wife, who he lovingly called Lilibet throughout their long life together, after a 28-night stay in hospital, having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition. They had been married for 73 years. His wife has been Queen for 69 of those years.
The Duke is expected to be given a royal ceremonial funeral in line with his own wishes, which is expected to take place next weekend. His funeral will be a small family service at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle before he is buried in Frogmore Gardens, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were laid to rest. The date has not been set officially, but reports suggest it will be Saturday.
A Death Gun Salute will be fired late Saturday night (NZT) to pay tribute to the Prince after Westminster Abbey tolled its bell 99 times this evening.
Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Hillsborough Castle in Belfast and in Gibraltar.
"He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other...
Gun Salutes will be held behind closed doors, but will be televised.
Crowds of mourners laying flowers and tributes at various royal palaces overnight (NZT) became so large they were told to disperse because of the Covid pandemic.
Philip is survived by his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, and his children Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
A man arrives to lay a floral tribute outside Buckingham Palace, London. Photo / AP
Philip's grandson Prince Harry is reportedly wanting to return to the UK for the first time since leaving royal duties - but questions remain over whether Meghan will join him.
The Daily Telegraph understands it is unlikely Meghan, who is heavily pregnant, will join her husband.
The US-based couple today paid a short tribute. In a post on their Archewell website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wrote a two-line message: "Thank you for your services... You will be greatly missed."
A source close to the Sussexes told the Daily Mail: "Harry will absolutely do his utmost to get back to the UK and be with his family. He will want nothing more than to be there for his family, and particularly his grandmother, during this awful time.
A child lays flowers outside the Cambridge gate of Windsor Castle in Windsor. Photo / AP
"Meghan is obviously pregnant so she will need to take advice from her doctors about whether it is safe for her to travel, but I think Harry will definitely go."
Meanwhile, Princess Anne - in comments made before the announcement of Philip's death - said life would be difficult without her father.
In an interview recorded with ITV before his death, Anne commented on her father's nomadic lifestyle in the early years of his life growing up in Greece.
Anne spoke of how her father had managed to keep up to date with society throughout the years. She said: "Without him life will be completely different. But from society's perspective he was able to keep pace with the kind of technological changes that have such an impact but above all that it's not about the technology it's about the people."
The Duke, who was plain Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten when he married the future Queen in 1947, was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
On receiving the news in 1952 that his wife had become Queen, he reportedly covered his face with the newspaper he was reading and said, "this will be such a shock".
The news of Elizabeth's father, King George VI's death was already on radio stations but Elizabeth had not been told. The couple were staying in the tiny, remote Treetops guest house in Kenya. It was left to Philip to break the news that her father had died and that she was Queen.
The Duke convinced his wife to go for a walk in the garden, where he told her of her father's death and that she was now Queen.
Ardern: 'Profoundly sad time'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed her "sincere condolences" to the Queen and Royal family.
"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family.
"Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award. In over 50 years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme".
Kiwis would also remember the Duke of Edinburgh's "enormous support" for the Queen. "His time as royal consort exceeded that of any other royal consort in British history. His Royal Highness accompanied The Queen on her ten visits to New Zealand, the first being in 1953, and the last in 2002."
Ardern had directed that flags on all government buildings and naval vessels be flown at half-mast.
The Government was awaiting details from the palace concerning the arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, she said.
"Following the funeral, a national memorial service will be held in Wellington. More details will follow once arrangements have been confirmed."
New Zealand Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy said the Prince's death was a "great loss to Her Majesty the Queen, the members of the Royal Family and the people of Her Majesty's Realms and territories".
"On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I convey our deepest condolences on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family at this time of great sorrow.
"New Zealand shares with the people of Her Majesty's Realms a tremendous sense of sadness at the great personal loss you have suffered," she said.
Wardens lay flowers outside Windsor Castle. Photo / AP
"We have fond memories of His Royal Highness's visits to New Zealand, and will remember his commitment to Commonwealth nations and his dedication to raise awareness of threats to the world's wildlife."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in Downing St and said "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."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Prince Philip "embodied a generation that we will never see again".
"Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family," the Prime Minister said in a statement.
"The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia."
Morrison noted the Prince had visited Australia more than 20 times.
Former US President Barack Obama sent his "warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to the Queen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren".
"When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century."
In Texas, former US President George W Bush said: "Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed.
"We join those around the world offering heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the entire Royal Family."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Prince Philip's military career and community work.
"My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the Commonwealth member's premier tweeted.
"He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace."
The Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, posted this statement on social media.
"My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Prince of Wales, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. May his memory be a blessing."
Heart surgery last month
The Duke was last seen in public on March 16 as he left the private King Edward VII hospital, where he had been recuperating after heart surgery at St Bartholomew's Hospital, a leading cardiac unit.
He had been admitted to the private King Edward VII hospital on Feb 16 for "rest and observation" after feeling unwell.
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But that stay was extended and the palace later revealed he was being treated for an infection. After 13 nights, he was transferred to St Bartholomew's for specialist cardiac treatment. Royal aides revealed that on March 3, he underwent "a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition".
His death comes after years of remarkable stamina, in which he undertook more public engagements than much younger senior royals. The Duke was last seen in public carrying out official duties in July 2020 at Windsor Castle, when he transferred an important military role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall.
He was also pictured at Princess Beatrice's wedding in July, and photographed alongside the Queen for his 99th birthday in June.
The Duke's eldest son Prince Charles and his wife Camilla received the news on their 16th wedding anniversary.
Since March 2020, the Duke had largely lived in strict isolation at Windsor, as a lockdown precaution against Covid-19.
At Buckingham Palace a young boy places a flower on the Palace gate. Photo / AP
It was a welcome silver lining of the pandemic that allowed the Duke and Her Majesty to spend those last few months together, enjoying each other's company for more time than they would otherwise have managed.
Queen's steadfast companion
Prince Philip was a steadfast supporter of the Queen in public and private. At her Golden Jubilee she described him as "my main strength and stay all these years".
He was also famous for his outspoken gaffes, which horrified and delighted followers of the Royal Family around the world. From "British women can't cook" to "You could do with losing a little bit of weight" (to a 13-year-old would-be astronaut), it seemed he had an endless supply, which did not diminish as he grew older.
The official portrait of the Queen and Duke Of Edinburgh for their 73rd wedding anniversary in November last year.
The Duke, who was plain Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten when he married the future Queen in 1947, was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
On receiving the news that his wife had become Queen, he reportedly covered his face with the newspaper he was reading and said, "this will be such a shock".
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke Of Edinburgh in 2019.
The story was related in a podcast this year by Lady Pamela Hicks, the Duke's cousin and a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen, who was with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip when they got the news that George VI had died.
The news was already on radio stations but Elizabeth had not been told. They were staying in the tiny, remote Treetops guest house in Kenya in 1952. It was left to Philip to break the news that her father had died and that she was Queen.
"Philip just takes the newspaper and covers his face with it, hides behind it and says 'This will be such a shock'," said Lady Pamela, the daughter of Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.
The Duke convinced his wife to go for a walk in the garden, where he told her of her father's death and that she was now Queen.
Lady Pamela praised Philip's handling of the situation, and told how Prime Minister Winston Churchill prevented the Duke, who as a foreign-born prince with no money did not have the support of the royal court, from taking on a variety of roles.
People view flowers left in front of the gate at Buckingham Palace in London, after the announcement of the death of Britain's Prince Philip. Photo / AP
"Philip was superb because it was much worse for him - [it was the] end of his career - he would have been First Sea Lord," she said.
"He gives up his career. He's always going to be walking three paces behind his wife, and the whole court and aristocracy are against him." Because Philip was born a Greek rather than a well-born Scotsman, he was at a distinct disadvantage in the royal court.
I was proud to have photographed the Duke of Edinburgh on his final individual public engagement, at the Captain General's Parade at Buckingham Palace, in August 2017. His death at the age of 99 - making him the longest-serving consort in British history - was announced today. pic.twitter.com/yojSNy1xP5
Philip was born into the Greek and Danish royal families. He was born in Greece but his family was exiled from the country when he was an infant. Despite a succession of family tragedies, he emerged capable, charming and uncomplaining, according to Philip Eade, author of Young Prince Philip: His Turbulent Early Life.
It was a childhood marked by the mental illness of his mother, who spent years in a psychiatric clinic, and the long absences of his father.
A young girl wearing a tiara lays flowers outside the Cambridge gate of Windsor Castle. Photo / AP
From the summer of 1932 until the spring of 1937, he neither saw nor received any word from his mother, not even a birthday card, Eade wrote. "It's simply what happened," the Duke told his biographer, matter-of-factly. "The family broke up. My mother was ill, my sisters were married, my father was in the south of France. I just had to get on with it. You do. One does."
Buckingham Palace right now. Condolences to the Queen, her family and all the bereaved who know too well the pain of loss #PrincePhilippic.twitter.com/ZJNzmjJUUD
After attending schools in France, Germany and the UK, he joined the British Royal Navy in 1939, aged 18. In the same year he began writing to Princess Elizabeth who was 13 years old, having first met her five years earlier.
In 1946, Philip was photographed next to Elizabeth at a wedding but was described in the press as "a figure largely unknown to the British public".
They tried not to be seen together and, if they were in the same party, took the precaution of not dancing with each other, Eade wrote. In order to marry Elizabeth, Philip abandoned his Greek and Danish royal titles as a member of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg.
A sports enthusiast, he was a patron, president, or member of over 780 organisations, and served as chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award for people aged 14 to 24.
Philip retired from his royal duties on 2 August 2017, aged 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.
Prince Philip may be immortalised in a statue proposed for the famed fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. It is being considered for the prime spot which has been used for a rotating selection of modern art for the past 20 years, the Telegraph reported in September, and would be commissioned after his death.
During the last few years of his life, Philip made news when two women needed hospital treatment after he was apparently dazzled by the low sun as he pulled out of a driveway on the Sandringham estate in a Landrover Freelander colliding with a Kia sedan.
Photographs taken when Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh visited Hawke's Bay during their 1963 New Zealand tour. Photo / Warren Buckland
Philip voluntarily gave up his licence after the incident in which the Land Rover overturned. He was not charged with an offence.
And, in November, he told his son, Prince Andrew, to "take his punishment" when it was decided to withdraw him from public life because of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Epstein, a convicted sex-offender who killed himself in prison, was a friend of Andrew's. Virginia Roberts Guiffre claimed in a Panorama television interview that aged 17 she was forced by Epstein to have sex with Andrew, which Andrew denied.
In 2020 Prince Philip stood by the Queen's side as the royal family navigated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle withdrawing from official royal duties and moving to Canada, then California.
Philip was said to have been devastated about the royal couple leaving their duties with his great-grandson Archie in tow, and failed to understand their decision. Philip's relationship with Harry was said to have suffered dramatically as a result.
Prince Philip was by far the most quotable of the royals. "I know I am rude but it's fun,'' was chosen by Nigel Cawthorne as the title of his book about some of the Duke's gaffes and anecdotes.
Princess Elizabeth and Philip of Greece on their engagement in 1947.
Asked how he thought he was seen, Philip said, "I don't know. A refugee husband, I suppose."
He once complained to a friend: 'I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba. I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his children.'
At the age of 21, he wrote to a relative whose son had just been killed in the war, saying: 'I know you will never think much of me. I am rude and unmannerly and I say many things out of turn which I realise afterwards must have hurt someone. Then I am filled with remorse and I try to put matters right.'
He could never, however, be accused of being obsequious. He never sought the limelight, nor was he much taken by the opulence around him. He had found the level of adulation his wife received in the first years to be "really unbelievable".
"It could have been corroding," the Duke said. " It would have been very easy to play to the gallery, but I took a conscious decision not to do that. Safer not to be too popular. You can't fall too far."
Prince's NZ connections
The Duke of Edinburgh held a number of New Zealand honours and appointments.
He was appointed an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand in June 2012 for services to New Zealand, to commemorate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
He was appointed an Extra Companion of the Queen's Service Order in 1981 (the QSO badge features prominently at the front of his extensive medal bar), and also received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
He was made Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy during his solo visit to New Zealand in 1958 on the yacht Royal Britannia, and to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 he was made Field Marshal of the New Zealand Army, and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
He was also a patron or member of more than 780 organisations.
His New Zealand connections included his role as patron of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and the New Zealand Society (in the United Kingdom).
He was a life member and gold badge award holder of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, and life member of Aviation New Zealand, and the Tin Hat Club. He was an honorary member of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Veterans' Association, and the Wellington Club.
The Duke was also an honorary fellow of the New Zealand Institution of Professional Engineers, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. He was also involved with a number of Commonwealth associations, such as the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.
