Prince Philip's death falls on a particularly poignant day for Prince Charles
Today is a sad day for the royal family and for the nation, as the Queen announced "with deep sorrow" the death of her husband, Prince Philip, at the age of 99. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle, leaving behind his wife, the Queen, and four children - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward - as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The news will be of desperate sadness to the whole family no doubt, but for Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the death of their father and father-in-law has come on a particularly poignant day. On 9 April, 2005, Charles and Camilla married at Windsor Guildhall, St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, meaning that today is also their 16th wedding anniversary.
Prince Philip attended the civil ceremony along with Her Majesty The Queen, and Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand. Prince William and Prince Harry were also present, as were Camilla's two children, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles. Their official photographs were taken in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle after the ceremony.
Today will no doubt be shrouded in grief for the pair, and going forward their anniversary may well become a confusing mix of sadness and celebration. There has been no official statement from Prince Charles, as of yet, but it will no doubt come soon.
The Duke of Edinburgh's death came following a 28-day stay in hospital for an infection, which included a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition. He was discharged from London's King Edward VII’s Hospital last month, returning to Windsor Castle where he had been in lockdown with the Queen since last year. The pair were both vaccinated against coronavirus in January.
The last statement from Buckingham Palace in regards to Prince Philip addressed his hospital stay. It said: "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital and everyone who has sent their good wishes."
Our thoughts are with all of the royal family.
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