Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth’s husband (Photo: AFP/VNA)

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the palace said in a statement.

A Greek prince, Philip married Elizabeth in 1947 and had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history.

Philip spent four weeks in hospital earlier this year for treatment for an infection and to have a heart procedure, but returned to Windsor in early March. He died just two months before he was to celebrate his 100th birthday.