Buckingham Palace announced the sad news in a statement at midday today (April 9) It said: “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.” HM Lord- Lieutenant for Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman said:“This is a day of great sadness as we mourn the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. "Prince Philip, until his retirement from most public engagements at the remarkable age of 96, was the mainstay of our Royal Family and we can be very grateful for his enduring and positive influence on our national life.