London, UK - Gun salutes rang out across Britain, in Gibraltar and from vessels at sea on Saturday to mark the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

Saluting batteries fired 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Buckingham Palace said the prince, also known as the duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday morning aged 99 at Windsor Castle, which lies to the west of London.

The palace on Saturday also announced that Philip's funeral would take place on April 17, in a scaled-down ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The funeral is to begin at 2 PM local time (9 AM EST) in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

"In line with government guidelines and public health measures, there will be no public processions," a palace spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that while Meghan, the duchess of Sussex, had been advised by her doctor not to travel to Britain for the funeral due to her pregnancy, Prince Harry would attend the ceremony.

The couple's relationship to the rest of the royal family has been strained amid accusations of racism and lack of sensitivity.

Meanwhile, members of the royal family led the tributes to Philip, who was also remembered by leaders around the world.

"As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously. He was a much loved and appreciated figure," said Prince Charles, Philip's son, on Saturday.

"My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him," he added, thanking people for their sympathies.

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Prince Edward visited his mother, the queen, on Saturday. His wife, Sophie, said "the queen has been amazing," the BBC reported.

Pope Francis added his condolences to the royal family, remembering Philip's "devotion" to his family and contribution to education.

During his more than 70 years at the side of Queen Elizabeth (94), Philip was known for his strong sense of duty and peculiar sense of humor, but also for making a string of inappropriate and racist remarks in public.

He was the oldest and the longest-serving consort in British history, as well as being what the queen called her "constant strength and guide."

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have expressed their condolences at the death of Prince Philip.

"On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh," the Bidens said in a statement.