Following the sad passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the EFL has confirmed that there will be a two-minute silence ahead of all EFL fixtures taking place tonight and across the weekend (9-10 April). Players, coaches, and match officials will also be wearing armbands as a mark of respect to the late Duke.

Rick Parry, EFL Chair said: “The EFL is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99. As a patron of over 800 organisations, his high regard for the encouragement of sport and welfare of young people was unequivocal, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt not only here in the UK but across the world. Our collective thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

Husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II, Philp was born on 10 June 1921, into Greek and Danish royal families. He spent his early years in France before attending the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. During a glittering military career spanning over 13 years of active service, Philip would reach the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshall and Marshall of the Royal Air Force.

The first meeting between Philip and Elizabeth came when the future Queen was just 13 years of age, when he was training as a Navy Cadet. They were engaged after World War II and married in 1947. The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth would go on to have four children; son and first heir, Prince Charles, daughter Anne arrived in 1950, whilst sons Andrew and Edward followed in 1960 and 1964 respectively.

Patron of over 800 organisations, Philip held in high regard the encouragement of sport and the welfare of young people. In 1956, he launched the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, a charity inspired to transform the lives of young people from all walks of life. That appreciation of sport continued over the years, with Prince Philip in attendance for the 1966 World Cup Final. He also regularly travelled the country to open new buildings and architecture, officially opening the Emirates Stadium - home to Arsenal - in 2006, and has presented trophies at some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Rugby World Cup and FA Cup, where he presented 1985 winners Manchester United with their medals.