By Taylah Eastwell
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has sadly passed away aged 99.
The Royal Family issued a statement on Friday 9 April, at midday London time, confirming the Prince had “passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle”.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement read.
“Further announcements will be made in due course,” it states.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed “love and deepest condolences” to her majesty the Queen on behalf of Australians in a statement shortly after the announcement.
“Prince Philip was no stranger to Australia, having visited our country on more than 20 occasions,” Mr Morrison said.
An incident during a visit to the Yarra Ranges by the Prince and Queen Elizabeth in 1954 has become a source of entertainment throughout the years, proving that royalty are not immune to an all-too-human couple’s quarrel.
The moment Queen Elizabeth chased Prince Philip with a tennis racquet during a heated tiff while they stayed at a Yarra Ranges retreat was kept under wraps until 2011, when royal writer Robert Hardman revealed the argument in his book Our Queen. The incident has also been re-created on Netflix drama ‘The Crown’.
“Through his service to the Commonwealth he presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia. Given his full service, Prince Philip also had a strong connection with the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Morrision said.
“Further details about Australia’s remembrance of Prince Philip will be announced over coming days. Flags will be lowered in honour of His Royal Highness.
