Prince Phillip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, has died at the age of 99.
The sad news was announced by the British Royal Family in a heartfelt statement on Friday morning.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had recently been treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection, died on Friday morning, just two months before his 100th birthday.
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.
"Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The flags in Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister lives, were lowered to half-mast following the announcement.
Born in 1921, Philip served in the Royal Navy and has become known over the years for his jokes and gaffes.
After he first met the Queen, Elizabeth "never looked at anyone else" and once Philip proposed his destiny as royal consort was sealed.
Putting aside his own career ambitions, he proved his strong sense of duty serving the country through hundreds of engagements every year, refusing to stop working even in his 90s.
He became patron or president of 800 organisations, founded the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956 and won a place in the British people's hearts for his no-nonsense attitude and witty quips, or "gaffes".
He leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchilden.
Philip bowed out of public life in August 2017, retiring at the age of 96 with 22,219 solo engagements to his name.
He had recently been battling several health problems after being admitted to King Edward VII hospital in central London.
Back in 2011, Prince Philip came to Ireland along with Queen Elizabeth, in what was the first time a British Monarch visited since we gained independence.
During their four-day stay, the pair went for a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, before watching a pint be expertly pulled.
For the latest news and breaking news visit irishmirror.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
