Civic leaders in Berkshire & North Hampshire pay tribute
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
Civic leaders throughout the region have been paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh who passed away peacefully aged 99 at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.
Reading
Mayor of Reading, Councillor David Stevens, and Reading Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jason Brock said:
"It is with great sadness that Reading Borough Council and the people of Reading have learned of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We join the rest of the United Kingdom in extending our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and all other members of the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.
"Flags on Council buildings are being flown at half-mast. They will remain at half-mast until 08.00am on the morning following the funeral.
"We respectfully ask that anyone wishing to lay flowers in tribute should do so outside of Reading Town Hall, by the Queen Victoria Statue, at this time, and are asked to please follow current guidelines on social distancing.
"Reading Minster in St Mary’s Butts will open its doors on Saturday from 9am - 2pm and 6pm - 9pm for any members of the public who wish to enter for a short period of reflection."
Wokingham
Borough Mayor Cllr Malcolm Richard said: “On behalf of the residents of Wokingham Borough and the staff and members of the borough council, I would like to express my deepest condolences following the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
“Many of us will be very saddened by the news today. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has played a significant part in our country’s history, both in terms of supporting Her Majesty The Queen’s following her Accession in 1952, and his role in founding the hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh Awards more than 60 years ago. He was also heavily involved in the work of many charities and organisations reflecting his wide range of interests and was Patron, President or a member of more than 750 organisations, many of which operate in the Wokingham Borough.”
West Berkshire
Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Graham Pask said: "Today we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was admired by a great many people for a lifetime of public service to this country. In West Berkshire, and across the country, we respected the steadfast dedication to his role and we join the Royal Family in mourning his passing today.
"Throughout his public service Prince Philip supported many good causes but will be remembered most for his Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I have had the pleasure of meeting young people who have taken part in the scheme and have seen for myself the positive impact on the lives of young people in West Berkshire. It's a great scheme and something which will continue to inspire future generations."
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Councillor John Story, Mayor of the Royal Borough, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
“He had a long association with the Royal Borough, not only because of Windsor Castle but also The Prince Philip Trust Fund, set up in 1977 to benefit individuals and organisations in the community. His hard work was recognised by the Council in 1995 when he was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, the highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual for contributions to a local area.
“The Queen and the Royal Family are in our thoughts.”
Basingstoke & Deane
Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Diane Taylor said: “As the borough of Basingstoke and Deane mourns the death of a great man, I would urge residents to follow the Royal Family’s wishes and leave your personal tributes in the official book of condolence.
“Prince Philip was committed to public service and was associated with over 990 organisations over the course of his life with specialist interests in a number of subjects. His hard work and dedication to these charities will always be remembered and donating to one of his patronages would be a fitting tribute and ensure his lasting legacy can continue for years to come.”
The Union Flag will fly outside the Basingstoke and Deane Civic Offices at half-mast until after the late Duke’s funeral.
Please visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/HRH-Prince-Philip for more information
Test Valley
Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Martin Hatley said:
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99. HRH served The Commonwealth with passion, commitment and integrity, supporting and providing wise counsel to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for many decades.
"His service to the country through the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the love and devotion he showed to the Royal Family as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather shall never be forgotten.
"His Royal Highness also had close links to the borough and to The Broadlands Estate in Romsey where he spent his honeymoon with Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of all the residents of Test Valley, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.
"As a sign of respect and gratitude, the flags at the council’s buildings have been lowered to half-mast."