Celebrities share messages and memories following announcement
A number of famous faces have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh who has died aged 99.
Dame Shirley Bassey, Professor Brian Cox and Carol Vorderman were among those to share messages following the announcement of Philip’s death.
Television presenter Vorderman recounted meeting the duke in a post on Twitter.
“I went for a private lunch with The Queen at Buckingham Palace quite a few years ago,” she wrote.
“They were both in their 80s and Prince Philip and she were flirting with each other madly and laughing.
“Theirs was a love and a marriage of more than 73 years. Deepest condolences Ma’am.”
Television presenter Prof Cox reflected on his experience of meeting the duke.
He tweeted: “I sat next to Prince Phillip at a lunch a few years ago and we discussed cosmology and relativity for the whole lunch - I hardly ate anything! - he was indeed fiercely intelligent, knowledgable about the subject and endlessly curious. RIP.”
Actress and comedian Katy Brand also shared her experience of meeting the duke, saying she “liked him”.
“He had a proper twinkle in his eye,” she tweeted. “He had the air of a man who would know what to do in a bear attack.
“I can see why it worked, the two of them. I feel sad for the Queen. RIP.”
Singer Dame Shirley said she was “saddened” by the news of Philip’s death.
She added on Twitter: “He was an extremely kind & 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.”
The Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson tweeted: “It was an honour to have met and dined with you. R.I.P. dear Prince.”
Comedian and writer Gyles Brandreth, who penned a book about Philip’s marriage to the Queen, also paid tribute to the duke.
He told BBC News the duke was the “joint author” of the Queen’s success.
“What I remember most, having seen them together, is how he made her laugh,” Brandreth said.
The duke was a “funny man” and a “good companion” to his wife, he added.
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood said he was “very sad” to learn of Philip’s death.
He added on Twitter: “It was an honour to have met the Duke over the years, and have been involved in his charitable causes.”
The musician also shared an image of a painting he had done of Philip.
London theatre Shakespeare’s Globe also paid tribute to Philip, who was a patron of the venue. “We are deeply saddened to hear that HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away,” the theatre tweeted.