Prince Philip Dies at 99

Bella Martin, Sports Editor

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on the morning of Apr. 9 at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England at the age of 99. Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing his death. 

On Feb. 17, the duke was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in London after fighting an infection. On Mar. 1, he moved to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where medical officials treated the infection and his pre-existing heart condition. The duke underwent heart surgery in mid-March, and was released. 

Born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, the prince and his family fled Greece when King Constantine forcefully abdicated from the throne. His family moved to France and then England. During World War II, the Duke of Edinburgh became a decorated naval officer, having served in the British Royal Navy. 

After the war, Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II and became the longest-serving British consort. In his marriage with Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Philip shared four children: Prince Charles, Duke of Wales; Princess Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. He was a grandfather to eight grandchildren and great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren. 

He spent 65 years in a public role, helping the royal family set a humanitarian and modern course for the monarchy. He advocated for environmental issues, science, technology and mental health issues. The prince created the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, a series of challenges that encourage young people to take up adventures in the outdoors. 

Prince Philip will be remembered for his role in modernizing the monarchy, his military career and all he did for the United Kingdom as the Duke of Edinburgh. The royal family plans to make further announcements in coming days regarding funeral processions and days of mourning.