PRINCE Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has died aged 99.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement earlier today (April 9) that read: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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."

Sir Ray Tindle, founder of the Tindle Newspaper Group, which owns the Wellington Weekly News, once met the Duke and was saddened by news of his death.

Sir Ray said: "Tindle Newspapers and our whole staff are very sad to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh who did so much for Her Majesty the Queen and the country.

"We send our sincere condolences to the Queen and her family and hope she will continue on the throne even though she has lost her beloved husband of many years."