World leaders pay tribute to Prince Philip who has died aged 99

It has been announced by Buckingham Palace that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.

In a statement, the Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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.”

Leaders from the UK and around the world joined together to pay tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh.

‘He inspired the lives of countless people’

Speaking from a podium in Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “[Prince 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.”

‘He dedicated his life to our country’

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, posted a four Tweet thread on Twitter, mourning the passing of Prince Philip.

He wrote: “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 changes - 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.”

‘Our sincere condolences’

First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, Tweeted: “I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”

In a statement, Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, said: “It is with sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, his children and their families on this sad occasion.

“He will be missed by the many organisations that he supported as Patron or President over many decades of service.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill issued a joint statement.

Foster said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. It is a sadness that I know will be shared by countless others in Northern Ireland and right across the world.”

O’Neill added: “I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and her family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip.”

The Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin, Tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”

‘God bless from all here in Australia’