Plymouth pays tribute to Prince Philip, following his death aged 99
Buckingham Palace announced the news on Friday (9 April)
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
Tributes have been paid to The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, following his death at the age of 99
Buckingham Palace announced the news on Friday (9 April).
He spent four weeks in hospital last month, and had a heart procedure. In total, he supported more than 800 charities and good causes.
The Duke was the Captain of the Royal Marines from 1953 - 2017.
Plymouth’s civic leaders have expressed their sadness after the announcement.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Chris Mavin said:
"On behalf of the citizens of Plymouth I would like to express our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family after the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"As the Lord High Steward of Plymouth, The Duke of Edinburgh had a special connection with the city and as a mark of respect flags on all Council buildings will now be flown at half-mast."
Council Leader, Tudor Evans OBE said:
"I’m deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. I would like to take this opportunity to send my sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family"
Plymouth MP and veterans minister Johnny Mercer wrote on Twitter:
"HRH Prince Philip was a totemic Captain General of the Royal Marines, here presenting operational medals in the South West in 2013. The epitome of the Commando spirit, he was fantastic with the troops, and served this nation courageously in his own right in WW2. Respect."
In a statement, Plymouth Labour MP Luke Pollard said:
"I, and I'm sure the whole of Plymouth, join the nation in remembering the life of Prince Philip - a dedicated and extraordinary public servant. As a brave veteran of the Second World War and the Royal Navy, he visited our city frequently, supporting those who serve our country in uniform.
"I will remember him especially for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, that gave so many young people opportunities to explore and expand their horizons.
"He will be remembered for his devotion to The Queen, spending more than seven decades at her side. At this time I am thinking of her, and the whole Royal Family, who have lost a husband, a father, a grandfather and great grandfather.
"My thoughts are with The Queen and all of the Royal Family at this difficult time. I know people in Plymouth will share their grief at this news."
Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, Shaun Sawyer said:
"Devon and Cornwall Police are saddened to learn of the death of HRH Prince Philip.
"I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Prince Philip.
"I also wish to express our condolences with members of the public at this time of national mourning.
"We will be flying our flag at half-mast as a mark of respect across various stations in Devon, Cornwall and Plymouth.
"Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to visit local authority websites for further information."
On Twitter, Stuart Elford, the CEO of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce posted a photo of himself with the Duke.
He said: "I was privileged to meet HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was an absolute gent. Sincere condolences to Her Majesty and her family, and thanks to him for his tireless service."