NEW YORK (VINnews) — Prince Philip Mountbatten, husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and her consort for the nearly 70 years of her reign, has passed away in Windsor Castle at the age of 99, according to an announcement by Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history, during which time he earned a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense attitude and a propensity for occasional gaffes.

“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,” the palace said in a statement.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Born on the island of Corfu in 1921, he married Elizabeth in 1947, playing a key role in modernising the monarchy in the post-World War Two period, and behind the walls of Buckingham Palace was the one key figure the Queen could turn to and trust.

“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Queen Elizabeth said in a rare personal tribute to Philip made in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.

As reported by Vos Iz Neias