THE PRINCE IN WALES
Pictures and mayor’s tribute after death of Duke of Edinburgh
FLAGS fluttering at halfmast, glowing and affectionate tributes from civic leaders, online books of condolences... just three of the many respectful ways Wales marked the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Archbishop of Wales extended deepest condolences and the assurance of prayers to Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
Paying tribute to Prince Philip, Archbishop John Davies said he had been a rock in the life of the Queen and had lived a life rooted in service and duty both to her and to others.
Archbishop John praised the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme set up for young people, and he also acknowledged the Duke’s keen interest in matters of theology.
Reflecting upon what some have described as the Duke’s “glorious gaffes” the Archbishop believed that these revealed “an affectionately kind outlook and a sharp sense of humour”.
He added: “These are but a few examples from a long life, packed with variety and rooted in the service of others, the nation, the Commonwealth and beyond. For his gifts and talents, for the benefits that his life brought to the lives of others, for his sense of duty and calling, and for his many evident and admirable qualities and attributes, we should give thanks and pray that he might be at peace, free from human frailty, and in new life with Christ.”
Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said: “On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I send my sincerest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and her family on the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“For over six decades many young people in Wales will have experienced and benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, a reflection of the Duke’s many decades of public service.
“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”
As a mark of respect, Plaid Cymru joined other political parties in suspending campaigning for the Senedd elections sheculed for May 6.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Prince Philip. Along with all of the Welsh Labour Party, I will be suspending my campaigning out of respect.”
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh led a remarkable life, distinguised himself with his career in the Royal Navy, was the strength and stay to Her Majesty The Queen, and has left a legacy to the nation through the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“Dutiful, devoted and diligent, his like will never be seen again, and Welsh Conservatives offer their deepest condolences to The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.”
The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, referred to “a phenomenal public servant and an inspirational life that will inspire so many across the world.”
Mr Hart added: “He had a hugely positive impact on thousands of people from all generations in Wales.
“The whole world will mourn the Duke of Edinburgh and remember his remarkable life.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said:
“HRH The Duke of Edinburgh gave a lifetime of duty and service not only to the Queen but to our country. He dedicated his life to many worthy causes and for that the nation should be forever thankful.”
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Rod McKerlich led condolences from the Welsh capital.
Flags on council buildings across the city and the rest of Wales were flying at half-mast.
Cllr McKerlich said: “The Duke of Edinburgh steadfastly supported Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II throughout her historic reign and was her devoted companion for more than 70 years of marriage.
“He will be remembered for his committed service to this country, his patronage of hundreds of charities and, of course, the inspirational Duke of Edinburgh awards that have encouraged and motivated so many young people over the years.
“On behalf of the people of Cardiff, my deepest condolences go to the Royal family at this very sad time.”
Councillor Susan Morgans, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “On behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and the people of Rhondda Cynon Taf, I would like to express our great sadness on hearing the news of the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and offer condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family at this time.
“His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh has lived a long life, dedicated to public service, devoted to the crown and the Commonwealth.
“As the founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, he made a huge impact on the lives of young people throughout the country, and there will inevitably be a profound sadness felt across our communities, our nation, and throughout the Commonwealth at his passing.
“Flags across the County Borough will be flown at half-mast during the official mourning period. “Further details on public condolence arrangements will be released shortly.” The Mayor of Bridgend County Borough Council Councillor Kenneth Watts said: “It is with great sadness to hear of the death of Prince Philip. “On behalf of the people of Bridgend county borough, we send our heartfelt sympathies to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family. “Throughout his life, the Duke of Edinburgh served the crown with selfless devotion and a true generosity of spirit, and he has left a lasting legacy in the many
organisations that he supported as Patron and President.”
Councillor Tom Suller, Mayor of the City of Newport, said: “Newport City Council is saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following many years of loyal service to the country.
“As a mark of respect, the flags at the Civic Centre are flying at half-mast. Council meetings will begin with a minute of silence in the coming days.
“In normal circumstances, books of condolence would be available for the public to sign in council buildings. However, we are establishing an online book of condolence and further details will be announced shortly.
“We extend the sympathy of the council, the city and our residents to the Duke’s family at this time.”
Dame Shirley Bassey said: “I’m saddened to hear of the news that HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away. He was an extremely kind and charming man with an exceptional dedication to Queen and Country. My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and her family. May he rest in peace.” Veteran comedian Wyn Calvin knew the Duke well.
He said: “I always found him to be a ready wit – and he always had a witty retort to almost anything in conversations.”
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, made several visits to Wales as part of his royal duties.
While many were made alongside the Queen, he also visited alone.
One of his most prominent visits was in 1966 in the aftermath of the Aberfan tragedy.
After the Aberfan disaster in 1966 he went to visit the scene and console those still trying to comprehend the scale of the devastation a day after the tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 116 children and 28 adults.
In 1977 he accompanied Queen Elizabeth II during the silver jubilee tour. They visted Cardiff and the Metal Box factory at Neath.