Death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99

The Duke regularly accompanied the Queen at Royal Ascot.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen’s consort for almost 70 years, has died at the age of 99.

While never an owner in racing himself, he had been an honorary member of the Jockey Club since 1947 and was a regular companion of the Queen at Royal Ascot.

A statement issued by the royal family read: “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. Further announcements will made in due course.

“The royal family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Handicap is staged at the royal meeting each year, but one of the Duke’s most enjoyable tasks at Ascot was when presenting the Queen’s Vase to Her Majesty after Estimate won in 2012.

The Duke of Edinburgh presents the Queen with the Queen's Vase in 2012
The Duke of Edinburgh presents the Queen with the Queen’s Vase in 2012 (Tim Ireland/PA)

Sir Francis Brooke Bt, Her Majesty’s representative at Ascot, said in a statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time.

“We have very happy memories of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at Ascot where he accompanied Her Majesty The Queen on so many occasions and shared in her successes.

“One of the most memorable moments was in 2012 when His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh presented Her Majesty The Queen with the Queen’s Vase after Estimate’s victory.”

Estimate would go on to win the Gold Cup at Ascot the following year, providing the Queen with one of her greatest victories as an owner.

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