The Dutch royal family have expressed their deep sadness at the news of the death of Britain’s prince Philip, two months ahead of his 100th birthday.

The prince, who married the then-princess Elizabeth in 1947, ‘passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,’ Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

‘We remember HRH Prince Philip with great respect,’ king Willem-Alexander, queen Maxima and former queen Beatrix said in a joint statement. 

‘Throughout his long life, he committed himself with dedication to the British people and to his many duties and responsibilities,’ the statement said. ‘His lively personality never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all the members of the Royal Family.’

Queen Elizabeth and Philip made official visits to the Netherlands several times and  Philip was awarded the order of the Golden Ark by prince Bernhard for his work in nature conservation.