Tributes paid to the Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip has died at the age of 99
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
Tributes are being paid to the Duke of Edinburgh following the sad news of his death.
He died at Windsor this morning, at the age of 99.
Royal household staff placed a framed plaque announcing the Duke of Edinburgh's death on the front gates to Buckingham Palace, where people have already begun leaving flowers at the gates.
The statement reads:
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
Further announcements will be made in due course.
The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement;
"(he) helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.''
Speaking from a podium in Downing Street, Mr Johnson said:
"He (Philip) was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.
With his Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.
We remember the duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen.
Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her 'strength and stay', of more than 70 years.
And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation's thoughts must turn today.
Because they have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great-grandfather.''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement:
"The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.
"Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country - from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.
"However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to the Queen.
"For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed - most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.
"My thoughts are with the Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.''
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted:
"Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country.
We will always be grateful for his amazing service.
We shouldn't forget Prince Philip was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.
So our thoughts are with The Queen and the whole Family at this difficult time.''
Nicholas Soames, a former Conservative MP and the grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, tweeted:
"The death of Prince Philip marks the passing of a truly remarkable man who lived a life of impeccable and dedicated service to his Queen and Country #aterriblelosstohisFamilyandhisCountry.''
The London Ambulance Service have also paid their condolences;
We are deeply saddened to hear that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.
The thoughts of us all at London Ambulance Service are with the @RoyalFamily at this sad time.
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick has also paid tribute
"Today the Metropolitan Police Service and I join the nation in mourning following the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
"I send my deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the entire Royal Family, as well as all those affected personally by his death.
"Prince Philip undertook his unique role as Consort to The Queen with a constant strength and loyalty, and a dedication to duty that is an inspiration to us all.
"Among his many contributions to British society was the founding of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award which has helped millions of young people achieve their potential, including many of our cadets.
“Throughout his life, Prince Philip has been a great supporter of the Met, the policing family and the wider emergency services. Many Met colleagues will have worked closely with him during their service across many decades.
"His legacy is a lifetime of public service that commands respect across policing."