Prince Philip of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of England, has died

PARIS.- Several times feared by the Windsor family and their British subjects, the sad news is very real this time: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years, died shortly before reaching a century of life, as announced today by Buckingham Palace.

“It is with deep sadness that Her Majesty The Queen announces the passing of her beloved husband. Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The royals join all around the world mourning her loss, “the statement read, announcing that” there will be further information in due course.

Already on February 17, the announcement of his hospitalization at King Edward VII Hospital in London after a decompensation did not bode well. By the age of 99, Prince Philip had become a regular visitor to hospitals. Like this time in December 2019, when he scared the Queen before the Christmas holidays. But strong as an oak he always seemed to be victorious over his health issues.

Withdrawn from public life since 2017 after 22,000 official engagements in the service of the Crown, the prince lived a quiet retreat away from the Palatine Gold, in the lands of Sandrigham in Norfolk, in a small “chalet”Of red bricks.

Far from his wife Elizabeth II, surrounded by a handful of servants, he devoted himself to his passions for painting and reading. The Covid-19 crisis had changed his daily life a little: the Duke had to be transported to Windsor Palace in March 2020 to be confined with his wife. Excellent opportunity for them both to resume their married life and celebrate their last wedding anniversary on November 20: 73 years together.

Elizabeth was only 13 when she met Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, a tall, blond and handsome young man. who had joined the Royal Navy. The young girl knew nothing about the 18-year-old man with a tumultuous childhood, born far from London, under the sun of the Mediterranean island of Corfu. However, “it would be him and no other” who would forever occupy her romantic dreams. She cared little about her past and her family, Felipe would be her only love, with whom she would want to marry, even if her family were against.

Decidedly in love, Isabel imposed her will. The engagement was announced on July 9, 1945. The wedding took place that same year, on November 9, at Westminster Abbey. Out of love for her, Philip renounced his Greek and Danish royal titles and agreed to convert from the Greek Orthodox religion to Anglicanism. Three months after the ceremony, the future queen was pregnant. The couple would have four children: Charles, Ana, Andrés and Eduardo.

The fate of the two changed abruptly in 1952, after the death of King George VI. Elizabeth became queen and her husband Prince Philip was forced to end his career in the Royal Navy. From now on, he would only be the sovereign’s husband, forced to walk three steps behind her, a new status that Felipe had difficulty living, multiplying episodes of anger and scandals. He lacked air, especially freedom.

Tensions were evident within the couple, as were rumors of infidelity. But the Duke of Edinburgh never gave up his duty and, above all, his wife.

“This is my rock. It was just my strength and support, ”said Elizabeth II lovingly in 2021.

It is true that, until the last day, Felipe assumed his role, fulfilled his public commitments and his duties towards the Crown. From the shadows, he was his best ally for the sovereign. He supported her and above all made her laugh, bringing a little levity to the rigid universe of the monarchy.

Philip of Edinburgh leaves behind the image of a man of character, famous for his politically incorrect witticisms, but also for his enormous sense of duty. But, above all, the memory of a man who marked the British monarchy by his loyalty, forming with Elizabeth II a couple to the test of everything.

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