The Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has passed away at the age of 99, the Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Prince Philip had been married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years, and had become the longest-serving consort in the nation’s history.

The statement from Buckingham Palace read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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 Palace added.

Speaking at the Downing Street, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: “He had inspired the lives of countless young people,” commenting on the charitable work that he had committed himself to during the latter part of his life.

The prime minister was further quoted by the BBC as saying: “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.”