People across Staffordshire and Cheshire pay tribute to Prince Philip
The Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99.
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
People across Staffordshire and Cheshire have been paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99.
Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's death just after midday issuing a statement that spoke of how The Royal Family joined with people across the globe "mourning his loss."
Philip, 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history.
The Duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.
He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.
Flags on buildings across Staffordshire and Cheshire are flying at half-mast, as the country enters a period of mourning.
His Royal Majesty visited our region a number of times during his life, some of his most prominent were to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Phillipa Rawlinson, managing director, said: "All of us here at the National Memorial Arboretum are deeply saddened by the death of His Royal Highness.
"He was a loyal friend to the Arboretum and we've seen him many times over our twenty years.
"He came and visited, he was involved in dedication of many memorials and trees at the Arboretum. The first time he came was in 2002, as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee tour.
"He was back again for the dedication of the armed forces memorial in 2007, and he most recently visited in 2016."
Prince Philip has also paid visits to both of Staffordshire's universities. In 1999, Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh paid a royal visit to Keele University to open the first Innovation Centre at the institution's Science and Innovation Park.
And later, in 2006, the pair officially opened Staffordshire University's Ruxton Technology Centre.
Members of Parliament from across Staffordshire and Cheshire have also paid their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh.
Dr. Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: "Very sad at the news of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. I will always best remember him for the amazing work of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award."
Theo Clarke, Member of Parliament for Stafford, said: "Saddened to hear of passing of HRH, the Duke of Edinburgh. He led an extraordinary life & did huge amount to support our nation, in particular setting up the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to support young people, which I was proud to participate in at school. My thoughts are with The Royal Family at this time."
Prince Philip - A life of service
During his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip attended over 22,000 solo engagements and gave over 5,000 speeches. The Duke of Edinburgh officially stepped down from royal engagements on 2nd August 2017, although in May 2018 he attended his grandson Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle.
The Duke, well-known for his refreshing sense of humour, revealed that he wouldn’t like the “fuss” of a full state funeral according to The Independent, although he is entitled to one, saying that he would prefer something more simple.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth married on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey in front of 2,000 guests. The couple, who were 21 and 26-years-old, had known each other since they were young children.
They had four children together - Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.