Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has died
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died this morning (Friday) at the age of 99.
The announcement was made shortly after midday, in a statement from Buckingham Palace.
It said: "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.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visiting Pangbourne College for the centenary of the college
The Duke and The Queen have been regular visitors to West Berkshire throughout the decades.
West Berkshire Council said its councillors and officers were "deeply saddened at the news of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh".
Chairman of the council, Graham Pask (Con, Bucklebury) said: "Today we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
"Prince Philip was admired by a great many people for a lifetime of public service to this country. In West Berkshire, and across the country, we respected the steadfast dedication to his role and we join the Royal Family in mourning his passing today.
"Throughout his public service Prince Philip supported many good causes but will remembered most for his Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I have had the pleasure of meeting young people who have taken part in the scheme and have seen for myself the positive impact on the lives of young people in West Berkshire.
"It's a great scheme and something which will continue to inspire future generations."
Prince Philip had received his Covid-19 vaccination, along with Her Majesty The Queen, in January.
The couple, who had been married 73 years, spent much of the pandemic isolating at Windsor Castle.
The Duke had previously spent four nights in hospital in December before being discharged on Christmas Eve.
