The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has mourned the passing of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

News of the prince’s death was announced on Friday via an official statement from Buckingham Palace.

The statement read: “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. He was aged 99.”

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was the longest-serving consort in British history, had returned to Windsor Castle on 16 March after spending a month in hospital

Reacting to his demise, Johnson on Friday said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.

He expressed the nation’s condolences to Queen Elizabeth II on the death of her husband Prince Philip, acclaiming his “extraordinary life and work”.

Speaking at Downing Street, the prime minister said he received the news of the duke’s death “with great sadness”.

“Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world,” he said.

“We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street.