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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II.

During the course of his career as King Consort, Prince Philip had 22,219 solo engagements, gave 5,496 speeches, and wrote 14 books, making him reportedly the busiest member of the royal family in his heyday.

But he stepped down from royal engagements last year, the Mirror reports.

The last time Philip stepped out HRH was June 24, when he joined the Queen for the Royal Windsor Cup polo patch in Egham.

He was seen at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, too.

(Image: Toby Melville/PA Wire)

But the Prince's age and health problems have got people wondering what happens when he passes away.

When that does happen, there are five things the British public can expect to take place.

The announcement

Should the Duke of Edinburgh die overnight, the official announcement is likely to be made at 8am, and the BBC will be the first to have the news confirmed.

Funeral arrangements

He may be entitled to a full-blown state funeral, but the Duke has expressed a preference for something a little more simple, The Independent reports.

Rather than lying in state at Westminster Abbey, it's thought the Duke's body will lie at St James’s Palace instead, where Princess Diana lay for several days before her funeral in 1997.

The Daily Beast also points out the public would not be allowed to view the body.

As for the funeral itself, it's believed the guest list will be comparatively paired back with only family, friends and heads of state from Commonwealth countries attending a service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The mourning period - eight days

If Prince Philip dies before the Queen, she is expected to enter a period of mourning which will last for eight days.

During this time, laws will not be given the Royal Assent and affairs of state will be put on pause in a sign of respect.

Resting place

While many of Britain's monarchs and consorts are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George's Chapel, Prince Philip's burial will be at a different, more private location.

In keeping with his more low-key funeral the Duke of Edinburgh would be buried in Frogmore Gardens, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

That said, he'll be in good company - both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried in a mausoleum there.

The Queen resurfaces

The period of Royal Mourning will then continue for a further 30 days.

After this, the Queen will make a full return to public life and duties.