Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh FLAGS across Oxfordshire were lowered yesterday as people mourned the tragic loss of the Duke of Edinburgh, who died just a few months before his 100th birthday. Buckingham Palace confirmed the passing of Prince Philip in a statement just after midday. that devastated the country. Oxford City Council marked this solemn event by flying its flags at half-mast during the period of national mourning. They will remain like that until the day following the funeral. As touching tributes to Prince Philip continue to pour in, this is how people in Oxfordshire reacted to the shocking news yesterday: