A MONARCHY IN MOURNING: 'HIS DEATH WAS SO GENTLE'

THERE’LL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE PHILIP

- Phil Dampier and Kietley Isrin

Prince Philip, wartime naval hero and the Queen’s “beloved” husband for 73 years, died at the age of 99 – just two months shy of his 100th birthday.

The longest-serving and oldest royal consort in British and Commonwealth history passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on April 9.

His daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, revealed: “It was right for him. It was so gentle. It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went.”

After dedicating his life to being by the Queen’s side, it was fitting then that Her Majesty was at the Duke of Edinburgh’s bedside during his final moments.

“The Queen paid tribute to her husband saying he was her ‘strength and stay’ and that’s absolutely right,” explains royal author, Andrew Lownie. “She is a strong woman and she now has a big job still to do without the person who sustained her throughout her reign. She will miss his wise counsel.”

Prince Philip’s coffin was transported from the private chapel at Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel. Following the funeral service, he was interred in the chapel’s royal vault. When Queen Elizabeth II dies, Philip will be moved to the church’s King George VI Memorial Chapel, where they will lie together in eternity alongside her parents, King George VI and The Queen Mother.

For many, Philip appeared indestructible. He avoided COVID and looked set to make it to the century. But on February 16 he was admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital, where he was treated for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.