| 'An inspiration': Tributes as Duke of Edinburgh dies |
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The flag at Buckingham Palace flies at half-mast this evening following the death of Prince Philip at the age of 99. A statement from the royal household announced the news shortly after midday, saying: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband." Shortly afterwards, the prime minister stood in Downing Street to acknowledge how the duke had "earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world". Through the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme, he had "shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people", Boris Johnson added.
A notice was posted on Buckingham Palace's gates following the announcement, while people laid floral tributes outside. Crowds also began to gather at Windsor Castle, although people were later asked not to congregate in light of pandemic restrictions. The BBC's royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell described "a moment of real national sadness", which brings to an end an unparalleled 73 years as consort. As our obituary notes: "Prince Philip had no constitutional position. But no-one was closer to the monarchy, or of greater importance to the monarch." This special late edition of News Daily brings together the breadth of our coverage. - Follow all the reaction as it comes in, via our live coverage in text and video
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