The Duke of Edinburgh has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Philip, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history.

The duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

The Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

“Further announcements will made in due course.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

The death of the duke comes in the midst of the worst public health crisis for generations as the UK and countries around the globe reel from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also taken place in the aftermath of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell Oprah interview which left the monarchy in crisis after Meghan accused an unnamed royal of racism and the institution of failing to help her when she was suicidal.

Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on March 16 to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital – his longest ever stay.

He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.

The duke had looked gaunt as he was driven away from King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London, having been pushed in a wheelchair to the waiting car.

Philip – father to the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – was just two months away from his 100th birthday in June.

He spent much of the Covid-19 crisis staying with the Queen at Windsor in HMS Bubble – the nickname given to the couple’s reduced household of devoted staff during lockdown.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said; “I am very sad to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and on behalf of the city I have written to Her Majesty the Queen to offer our thoughts and condolences at this sad time.

“During his career His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was involved with hundreds of charities and organisations, and will of course leave behind a fitting reminder of his work in the fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Award which so many young people have completed.

“We will be lowering the flags on our Civic buildings today as a mark of respect and an online book of condolence is available for signing at: www.royal.uk for those who wish to pay their respects.”

 Leader of the Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the announcement from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has died.

“I’m sure the people of Leeds will join me at this time in paying their respects and remembering him and all the excellent work he has been involved in for his country over many decades."

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “My sincere and deepest condolences go to HM The Queen & the whole Royal Family. Prince Philip served our country with extraordinary commitment, immense dedication and was totally devoted to public service.”

Flags across the Bradford district have been lowered as a mark of respect and a book of condolence has been opened on Bradford Council’s website www.bradford.gov.uk.

Further arrangements for marking this sad event are being made in accordance with official protocols and more information will be available soon.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee, said: “I am writing to Her Majesty The Queen to express condolences on behalf of the people of the Bradford district.”

The Chief Executive of Bradford Council, Kersten England, said: “I am saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness provided unwavering support to Her Majesty The Queen throughout their life together and he served the country and Commonwealth with great distinction and vigour."

The Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “On behalf of Bradford Council and the residents of our district, I wish to express our sorrow on hearing the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. My condolences to Her Majesty The Queen."