Seth Udinski, FISM News

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II of England for over seventy years, died Friday morning at Windsor Castle in London.  He was 99 years old.

The Greek-born husband to England’s longest-reigning monarch was a source of steadiness and security, both for the Queen and for the country of England during the post-World War II era.  In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of their wedding, Queen Elizabeth spoke fondly of her husband, capturing his significance to her, the royal family, and the world:

He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.  I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.

Philip was born on June 10, 1921, and was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece.  He served as a British naval officer during World War II and married the Queen shortly thereafter in 1947.  He served the Queen as a private confidant and public supporter, and displayed a charming and witty personality that made him popular among many Britons.  Philip retired from public appearances in 2017, but continued to support his wife and country until his diminishing health limited his influence.

The Prince’s funeral will commence in the next several days at St. George’s Chapel before a limited audience due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Until then, his body will rest at Windsor Castle.

Philip is survived by his wife, the Queen, and his four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Royal Princess Anne; Andrew, Duke of York; and Edward, Earl of Wessex.