Tributes paid after Buckingham Palace announces Prince Philip has died aged 99

Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.

He married the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen, and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “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 First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said: “It is with sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.

We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, his children and their families on this sad occasion.

He will be missed by the many organisations that he supported as Patron or President over many decades of service”.

The leader of the Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies said: “Prince Philip led a remarkable life and dedicated decades of public service to our United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations, whilst the Duke of Edinburgh programme helped so many young people. Britain – along with people across the world – will mourn his loss.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: “I extend my sympathies to The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family following this announcement.

“HRH The Duke of Edinburgh gave a lifetime of duty and service not only to the Queen but to our country. He dedicated his life to many worthy causes and for that the nation should be forever  thankful.”

The Archbishop of Wales John Davies said: “These are but a few examples from a long life, packed with variety and rooted in the service of others, the nation, the Commonwealth and beyond. For his gifts and talents, for the benefits that his life brought to the lives of others, for his sense of duty and calling, and for his many evident and admirable qualities and attributes, we should give thanks and pray that he might be at peace, free from human frailty, and in new life with Christ.”

Responding to the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said: “On behalf of Plaid Cymru I send my sincerest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and her family on the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

“For over six decades many young people in Wales will have experienced and benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, a reflection of the Duke’s many decades of public service.

“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”