Prince Philip: Expert says Queen will ‘withdraw’
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Former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan, 56, has opened up on his emotional reaction to the news of Prince Philip’s death today. The outspoken journalist paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh’s commitment to “dedication, devotion and duty” throughout his life as a senior member of the Royal Family.
Speaking out in his latest column, Piers admitted the sad news of the Queen’s husband’s passing at the age of 99 “hit him hard” when it was announced by Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
He penned: “The news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death hit me hard.
“He was a constant presence in my life from the day I was born in 1965, the immovable rock at the side of my Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Whenever it mattered, there he was; indomitable, steely-eyed, jut-jawed.
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“Philip could have been whatever he wanted to be, and he chose to be his wife’s protector and defender.”
Piers also revealed his brother-in-law Patrick, who is the husband of his sister Charlotte, was “hit a lot harder” by the loss of the Duke, as he was commissioned as an officer in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment, whose Commander-in-Chief was Prince Philip.
The presenter explained Patrick went on to command The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, after being personally interviewed for the position by Prince Philip.
Piers shared that his brother-in-law was understandably devastated by the news, with his sister Charlotte informing him he had been “in tears” today.
Piers later added: “My heart breaks for Her Majesty, a woman who has served as Queen for 68 years and barely put a regal foot wrong in those seven decades.
“She has lost the love of her life, and the man who helped her become the great Monarch that she is.”
The Royal Family’s statement confirming the Duke’s death 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.”
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Piers previously took to Twitter as soon as the news broke to share a tribute to the late royal in view of his 7.9 million followers.
He penned alongside photos of the Queen and the Duke: “RIP Prince Philip, 99.
“A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty & was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign.
“A very sad day for our country. Thank you, Sir.”
The Duke, born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, had been residing at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, with Her Majesty The Queen at the time of his death.
Prince Philip was last seen in public just weeks before his death while being discharged from King Edward VII’s Hospital in London after undergoing a successful heart procedure.
Prince Philip is survived by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, as well as children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
He leaves behind grandchildren, Princes William and Harry, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
The Duke is also survived by great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Archie Harrison, Isla and Savannah Phillips, Mia, Lena and Lucas Tindall.
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