THE DAILY TELEGRAPH accidentally published an article on its website stating that the Duke of Edinburgh had died – but Prince Philip is still alive and in the middle of his final day of public engagements.
Under the headline ‘HOLD HOLD HOLD Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, dies aged XX’, the British news publication posted the story announcing his death before he was due to appear for his final public engagement.
The article read: “The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history, had died at the age of XX, Buckingham Palace has announced.
“Prince Philip, whom the Queen described as her ‘strength and stay’ during her record-breaking reign, passed away XXXXXXX
“He will be given a royal ceremonial funeral in line with his wishes, which is expected to take place in seven days’ time.”
The article has since been removed from the website.
This isn’t the first time a newspaper has mistakenly announced his death. A similar incident happened with The Sun in May.
Retirement
After a lifetime of public service beside his wife Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip is retiring today at the age of 96.
The Duke of Edinburgh is attending a parade of Royal Marines at Buckingham Palace today, the last of 22,219 solo public engagements he has made since Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952.
He is taking the salute today at the end of a charity challenge by the Royal Marines, in which members ran 2,678 kilometres over 100 days to mark the founding of the commando force in 1664.
Over the past 65 years, Prince Philip has carried out 637 visits abroad on his own and has given almost 5,500 speeches.
He and the queen have scaled back public duties in recent years, handing responsibilities to the younger royals, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his eldest son Prince William.
Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace said:
“Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the royal family.”
With reporting by AFP.
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