Prince Philip tributes pour in across Dorset
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at Windsor Castle today at the age of 99
Tributes have been coming in from organisations across Dorset following the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip.
The nation will now begin a period of mourning for 10 days before a private funeral takes place at Windsor Castle.
Dorset Council was among the county's first to offer their condolences for his passing.
The flag was raised to full-mast earlier today before being lowered to half-mast at County Hall, Dorchester, in honour of Prince Philip, where it will remain until the day of the funeral, which will take place 10 days after his death.
People are invited to leave flowers in remembrance of the Duke at the front steps of County Hall in Dorchester.
Chairman of Dorset Council Cllr Val Pothecary said:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family as we mourn the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and on behalf of Dorset Council I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences. We give thanks for His Royal Highness's wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He has been an inspiration to us all."
An online book of condolence will shortly be available from Buckingham Palace for people to show their respect and we will share the link for this on our webpage and on social media as soon as we receive it.
'OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO HER MAJESTY'
Angus Campbell, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset, said: 'It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh this morning.
"The country, and the county, are now in deep mourning in remembrance of an extraordinary man. He has dedicated 70 years of his long life to support Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second, our longest ever reigning Monarch.
"The Duke has been a remarkable pillar of strength to Her Majesty, who herself has been an extraordinarily strong and constant foundation of love, strength and hope for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.
"I know that all our hearts go out to Her Majesty and the other members of the Royal Family at this most difficult time. We have lost a man who has been a symbol of extraordinary support and strength for the Crown. A man who will be most terribly missed by us all, and who has given us, and our country, so very much service over so many years."
Dorset Police said they are saddened to hear about the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip:
Deputy Chief Constable Scott Chilton said:
"I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Prince Philip.
"We will be flying our flag at half-mast as a mark of respect at Dorset Police HQ in Winfrith and our police stations in Weymouth and Bridport.
"Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to follow local authority websites for further information."
Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark:
"It is with great sadness that I announce that His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully earlier today, Friday 9 April 2021, at Windsor Castle, aged 99. The Duke was married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years and was the longest-serving consort in British history.
"On behalf of the town of Bridport I offer our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time, and I offer our thanks for the Duke's lifelong service to the nation.
"Union Flags at the Town Hall and Mountfield are being flown at half-mast, and from Monday 12 April a Book of Condolence will be available. With regret, given the current circumstances this will be an online facility in the main. For those who do not have internet access and would like to express written condolences, these should be sent to the Town Clerk, Bridport Town Council, Mountfield, Rax Lane, Bridport DT6 3JP for inclusion in the Book of Condolence. I very much hope people will understand the need for this cautious approach to minimise the risks associated with Covid-19.
For those wishing to lay flowers in remembrance of Prince Philip, please place your tributes on the lawn at our Mountfield offices in Rax Lane."
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said:
"The Chamber would like to express its sadness at the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. It sends its sincerest condolences to the Queen and the Royal family at this time. The Duke will be remembered as a great supporter of business and enterprise.
"As well as championing UK plc on the world stage, the Duke was a patron of many business organisations with a particular interest in such areas as technology and engineering. But it is perhaps the Duke of Edinburgh Awards which will become his lasting legacy and for which he will be most warmly remembered.
"Through his award, the Duke inspired generations of young people to develop new skills and enterprises. The DoE scheme also encouraged many in the business world to invest in young people and give them the skills, confidence and resilience to succeed.
"The Duke's dedication to duty, his work ethic and commitment has been a shining example, and will live on as an inspiration to many for years to come."
Richard Smith, director of The Tank Museum, said:
"The Tank Museum wishes to express its sadness at the news of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"We were proud to host Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who was Colonel-in-Chief of the Queen's Royal Hussars, part of the Royal Armoured Corps, when they came to open the Tank Story Hall in 2009. They are pictured here watching a Museum arena display."
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam said:
"The Duke of Edinburgh lived a long and distinguished life, much of it in the public eye and much of it of public service. He had an enquiring and creative mind and made major contributions in a number of areas including religion and the environment. He has been a huge support to Her Majesty the Queen, the longest reigning monarch in British history.
"The Royal Family are at the centre of our national life and our sympathy and condolences are with them as they mourn the Duke's death. In this Easter season may he rest in the peace of Christ.
"Churches across the Diocese will remember the Duke in prayer, particularly on Sunday. I pray that God will comfort Her Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family at this time. May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in Glory."