Prince Philip dies at age ninety-nine

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on Friday morning, April 9, 2021 at the age of ninety-nine, Buckingham Palace announced.

Prince Philip, who served as a first lieutenant in the British Navy during the Second World War, held the title of colonel-in-chief of six units of the Canadian Armed Forces. In 2011, he was named honorary general of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as honorary admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy. In 2013, he was named Companion of the Order of Canada and Commander of the Order of Military Merit.

“A man of great service to others — first as a decorated naval officer and later as a dedicated leader in the areas of community engagement and philanthropy — the Duke always sought out the best in people and challenged them to strive for greater heights,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an official statement upon receiving news of Prince Philip’s passing.

The prince, who was the longest-serving royal consort in British history, accompanied his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, on several official visits to Canada. According to the CBC, Prince Philip set foot on Canadian soil more than seventy times. On his first visit in 1951, Prince Philip adopted local tradition by donning a white cowboy hat at the Calgary Stampede. On his final, solo visit to Toronto in 2013, he presented a new ceremonial flag to the Royal Canadian Regiment’s 3rd Battalion, having served as the regiment’s colonel-in-chief since 1953.

Read the CBC’s obituary of Prince Philip or sign the book of condolence on Buckingham Palace’s official website. Click on the cover below to read our feature on the monarchy in Canada, published in June 2012.