THE Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip has died at the age of 99.
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The Royal Family confirmed that he had passed away about 9pm Australian time.
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband," the palace said in a statement.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
Prince Philip had been hospitalised and unwell in recent months. It was two months and one day until he would have turned 100.
The Queen is expected to enter an eight-day period of mourning for her husband of more than 70 years.
"He was the longest serving consort in history," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said shortly before 9.30pm on Friday night Australian time.
"Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy ... he was an environmentalist and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable."
He pointed to the Duke of Edinburgh awards as among his achievements in encouraging young people.
"He fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions," Mr Johnson said.
Australian leaders were quick to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh and to offer condolences to the Queen.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she offered deepest sympathies to the entire Royal Family.
"The Duke of Edinburgh had a strong and lengthy relationship with NSW, visiting our state many times during his life," she said.
"While we mourn his passing at the age of 99, it is the occasion to offer thanks for a very long and dedicated life of service."