Prince Philip Dead At 99: Scott Morrison Praises Duke For Service

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II has died, Buckingham Palace announced Friday. His Royal Highness was 99.

The Duke passed away peacefully at his home in Windsor Castle. Prince Philip is the patriarch of the royal family, father to Prince Charles and grandfather to Prince William and Prince Harry. He has been married to the queen for 73 years.

"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," the Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

The prince has been suffering from several health issues in recent years. Most recently, in February, he was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital after feeling unwell due to an infection, CNN reported. He was later transferred to St. Bartholomew's Hospital to continue treatment for the infection, as well as to undergo heart surgery.

Tributes from heads of states all over the world have flooded, praising the prince for his dedication, leadership, military service and for his humor.

“Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement.

“The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia.”

Morrison also noted that Prince Philip "embodied a generation that we will never see again."

The prince has visited Australia more than 20 times in his reign as duke, and has presided as patron or president of over 50 organizations in the country.

Plans for a tribute or a burial have not been made public. The United Kingdom is still currently under coronavirus restrictions.