A TOUCHING tribute has been issued by the Royal Family today, one year after the death of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband died at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 9 2021.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, was at the Queen's side for more than her six decades of reign.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.
In a tribute posted today, the Royal Family said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather.
“The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh's long and happy marriage has seen them support each other through many years of Royal duties and raising a family together.
“The engagement of Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten to Princess Elizabeth was announced in July 1947 and the marriage took place in Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947.
“Shortly before the wedding, the bridegroom was given the title of Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich with the style of His Royal Highness and appointed a Knight of the Garter by King George VI.
“The Queen and Prince Philip had two children before Her Majesty succeeded to the throne, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, and two further children, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
“Her Majesty and His Royal Highness had eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
“During a speech at the lunch to mark their Golden Wedding at London's Guildhall in 1997 Her Majesty said of His Royal Highness:
“He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.
“In 2017 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh became the first couple in the Royal Family to celebrate their Platinum Wedding anniversary.”
The official DofE Twitter account today Tweeted: “Today we remember HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and reflect on the difference The Duke made to millions of young people’s lives through the DofE.
“As young people navigate the challenges left by the pandemic, The Duke’s legacy – the DofE – is needed now more than ever.”
To view the full Royal Family website tribute, visit: www.royal.uk/duke-edinburgh-1921-2021-0
