THE Queen's husband, Prince Philip has died, aged 99.

He was the longest serving consort in British history, and was only months away from his 100th birthday in June.

During his lifetime of public service, Prince Philip made many trips to Cheshire including opening British Salt in Middlewich in 1969.

Middlewich engineer Bill Monaghan was honoured to show the Duke of Edinburgh around the company's salt drying process.

More than 30 million tonnes of salt has been manufactured since the company was launched half a century ago.

Memories of the royal visit were rekindled when the company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019.

At the golden anniversary, Bill, 91, recalled that Prince Philip was personable, witty, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in the plant and how it worked as well as the people he met on the day.

Former employee Bill remembers getting his first glimpse of the Duke in the plant room and being officially introduced a little later when he was specially chosen by the company to guide him through the technical process.

Prince Philip tours British Salt as he officially opened the plant in 1969

Prince Philip tours British Salt as he officially opened the plant in 1969

Prince Philip tours British Salt as he officially opened the plant in 1969

Bill was just starting his tour when the Duke looked across the building and remarked that he'd spotted a member of the team using a very interesting piece of technology.

Intrigued, Bill looked over and spotted a British Salt colleague, Jimmy 'Ding Dong' Bell, merrily going about his work, brushing salt along the floor using his broom.

The Duke's sense of humour and fun loving personality endeared him to the nation.

Prince Phillip married the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became the Queen.

The couple went on to have four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He ‘passed away peacefully’ at Windsor Castle this morning, Friday.

A statement released by Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle

“Further announcements will made in due course.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”