The United Kingdom’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

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.”

Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.

Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister added: “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.”

The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had spent four weeks in hospital earlier this year to receive treatment for an infection and have a heart procedure, but returned to Windsor in early March.

He had been by the queen’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history.

The couple married in 1947.

Prince Philip’s last public appearance came last July at a military ceremony at Windsor Castle, the royal palace to the west of London where he and the monarch have resided during COVID-19 lockdowns.