PRINCE Philip, who has died aged 99, had a special link to Romsey.

The news of his death was announced in a statement on Twitter by The 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.”

After marrying the then Princess Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey on November 20 1947, the couple spent part of their honeymoon at Broadlands - the former home of The Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Daily Echo: The couple at Broadlands The couple at Broadlands

One woman from North Baddesley claimed she even touched Prince Philip's hat when she delivered flowers to the newlyweds at the Romsey property.

Beryl Webb, now 89, said: "I was 16 at the time and used to work for Romsey Town Hall. Me and one of the other member of staff rode down on our bikes to Broadlands to deliver the flowers when the Queen came to Romsey for her honeymoon.

"We went into the house, which was absolutely packed with flowers, and I touched Prince Philip's hat that he left on a seat."

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, also paid tribute to the longest-serving consort in British history.

She tweeted: "Such terribly sad news this afternoon about HRH the Duke of Edinburgh."

The Union Jack flag on Buckingham Palace is flying at half mast following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death this morning.

Increased numbers of police officers are patrolling beside the palace gates where small groups of passers-by have also gathered.

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle weeks after being discharged from a month-long stay in hospital.

The royal family’s official website switched to a holding page in memory of the duke.

It featured a central image of Philip on a black background, accompanied by the Palace’s statement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in Downing Street and said “he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”