Buhari, Other World Leaders Condole Queen Elizabeth Over Prince Philip’s Death
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU Buhari and other political and religious leaders from across the world have extended their condolences to Her Majesty the Queen of
England over the death of her husband of more than seven decades, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed on peacefully at the age of 99.
Buckingham Palace, which announced his death yesterday, said the Prince, who is also the longest serving consort in British history, died in the morning at Windsor Castle, just months away from his 100th birthday in June.
“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. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement said.
Reacting to the news of the Duke’s death in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari said: “The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is the end of an era. Prince Philip was one of the greatest and publicly recognisable international figures whose contributions to the Commonwealth will be remembered for generations to come.”
According to the President, “Prince Philip was a great man in his own right who made enormous contributions to philanthropic activities and charities especially for wildlife conservation and youth development programmes in more than 130 countries.”
President Buhari described the late Duke of Edinburgh as “a remarkable husband who had been happily married to the Queen since 1947,” saying
“this is an impressive record for any marriage at any level.” The President also commiserated with the Government of the United Kingdom and the members of the Commonwealth “for the sad loss of this royal and indeed global icon.”
British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said: “It was with great sadness that a short time ago I received word from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99.
“Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world. Philip would be remembered for his steadfast support of the Queen, as well as his awards scheme, which inspired countless young people.” First Minister for Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, in a tweet said: “I am saddened by the news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences … to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”