THE Bishop of Winchester has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death at the age of 99.

The Right Reverend Dr Tim Dakin said: “Today we have lost a great statesman and a beloved member of our Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered for his loyalty to his Queen and country.

“As the senior Royal Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Prince Philip led others in exemplifying everything the Garter stood for in terms of outstanding service to the nation. This is a great loss for the country, for the whole Commonwealth, and above all for Her Majesty and the Royal Family; my thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s death was announced on behalf of The Queen today (Friday).

It said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.”

Prince Philip was due to celebrate his 100th birthday on June 10, this year.

The Duke had recently returned home from his longest-ever hospital stay after a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition.

Prince Philip was the longest-serving British consort, serving for 69 years between 1952 and 2021.