The world is in mourning following the announcement that His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.

The Royal Family said at midday today that Prince Philip, husband of the Queen, died peacefully at Windsor Castle this morning.

Tributes have flooded in for the royal, who was two months away from celebrating his 100th birthday.

Prince Philip held an extraordinary life, with a distinguished life of service to the Queen, Great Britain and so many around the world.

His role meant he was involved in many public engagements, and one of his earlier engagements was back in 1955 when he was invited to open a brand new stadium in Garston.

The Duke of Edinburgh at Woodside Playing Fields for the official opening in 1955. Credit: Watford Musuem

The Duke of Edinburgh at Woodside Playing Fields for the official opening in 1955. Credit: Watford Musuem

It was on November 4 when Prince Philip arrived at Woodside Playing Fields with town Mayor Amey to officially open the new grounds.

Photos show bunting and smiling children as the Prince, who would have been 34 at the time, met and chatted with dignitaries, before declaring the playing fields open.

Crowds cheered and applauded with excitement as the Prince took to the stage of a new stand at Woodside.

The Duke speaks to crowds who had gathered to see him open the new playing fields. Credit: Watford Museum

The Duke speaks to crowds who had gathered to see him open the new playing fields. Credit: Watford Museum

The Duke of Edinburgh in Watford in 1955. Credit: Watford Museum

The Duke of Edinburgh in Watford in 1955. Credit: Watford Museum

He described Woodside as an "excellent and first class example to all of the towns and cities in the UK of what a town with 70,000 people can do".

Prince Philip revealed in his speech that Woodside had been made possible with £800 funding from the National Playing Fields Association.

The Duke said: "It gives me very great pleasure indeed to declare open this track and I am sure it will see great things in the future."

The Duke talking to Peter Osborn at Woodside Playing Fields Credit: Watford Museum

The Duke talking to Peter Osborn at Woodside Playing Fields Credit: Watford Museum

One young runner, Bobby Scholes, was given the enviable opportunity to complete the first lap of the track before being invited to meet the Mayor and Prince.

A later image shows Prince Philip outside Watford Town Hall following his visit to Woodside.

The Duke of Edinburgh outside Watford Town Hall. Credit: Watford Museum

The Duke of Edinburgh outside Watford Town Hall. Credit: Watford Museum