The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, has died at the age of 99 , Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

The news of his death was announced in a statement on Twitter by Royal Family on behalf of the Queen.

It said: “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.”

As is the case whenever a member of the Royal Family dies, there are strict plans in place for what happens next.

What you need to know after Duke's death

What is Operation Forth Bridge?

Each member of the Royal Family has their own code name, detailing the plans in place in the event of their death.

In Prince Phillip’s case, this code name is Operation Forth Bridge, referring to an Edinburgh railway bridge, as the Duke of Edinburgh.

Lord Chamberlain will consult with Prime Minister Boris Johnson before consulting with the Queen to establish her wishes regarding the announcement of her husband’s death.

The rest of the world, including the press, will then be notified via an official statement from Buckingham Place.

Salisbury Journal: The Duke of Edinburgh has died, aged 99. (PA)The Duke of Edinburgh has died, aged 99. (PA)

Flags will then be lowered to half-mast as the nation enters a period of national mourning during which the Queen is unlikely to conduct any of her usual affairs, given time to grieve.

Prince Philip's state funeral

As the husband of the Queen, Prince Philip would be entitled to a full state funeral where his body would lie in Westminster Abbey ahead of a burial in St George’s Chapel.

Following a number of health scares in recent years it is thought Prince Philip has had a lot of say in his funeral.

It is believed the Duke didn’t want “all the fuss” and opted for a military funeral and wanted a burial at Frogmore Gardens.

According to reports, Prince Philip wished for only family, friends and heads of state from Commonwealth countries to attend the funeral.

With restrictions still in place amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the public elements of the final farewell to the Queen’s consort will not be able to take place in their original form.

Under the earlier arrangements for the coming days thousands of people would have been expected to flock to London and Windsor, with some even camping out overnight to get the best vantage points, for a military procession of Philip’s coffin on the day of his funeral.

Hundreds of members of the armed forces would have been called upon to line the streets in honour of the duke, along with thousands of police officers to keep control of crowds and protect the members of the royal family taking part.

Organisers are said to be “desperately anxious” not to stage anything that attracts mass gatherings, one source said.

The duke’s funeral is still expected to be televised and held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

World leaders and Commonwealth representatives, as well as foreign royals, former and current politicians and military chiefs would have been among those due to be invited to gather at the funeral, but such arrangements will now be impossible.

Much depends on the guidance issued to the Royal Household from the Government over the next few days.

Get more Salisbury news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.