His Royal Highness Prince Philip passes

His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle.

Prince Philip was the consort of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state of Australia.

It follows weeks after he was released from hospital after a month-long stay.

The Royal Family made the announcement around midday today, British time.

“For nearly 80 years, Prince Philip served his Crown, his country and the Commonwealth,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a media statement.

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was, in the words of Her Majesty, her ‘strength and stay’.

“He embodied a generation that we will never see again.

“Beginning as a naval cadet in 1939, he served in war and in peace. When Her Majesty ascended the throne, The Duke ended his military service and became her constant support.

“Prince Philip was no stranger to Australia, having visited our country on more than 20 occasions.

“Through his service to the Commonwealth he presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia. 

“Given his own service, Prince Philip also had a strong connection with the Australian Defence Force.

“For 65 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has encouraged over 775,000 young Australians to explore their leadership potential.

“Forty thousand young Australians are currently participating in the program.”