‘We pay tribute to the Duke’s unwavering service’
People in the borough have paid their respects to HRH Prince Philip, who died on Friday just two months shy of his 100th birthday. The Duke of Edinburgh died at Windsor Castle prompting an outpouring of tributes for the country’s longest-serving consort who had been by The Queen’s side for 73 years. Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, said: “My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen on this, the saddest of days for her, as she says farewell to her husband, her friend, her rock.”
Tracey Crouch, MP for Aylesford, said she had been fortunate enough to meet the Duke on a number of occasions at sporting events “and he was always kind, funny and put everyone at ease.
“While we may grieve the loss of a truly loyal public servant my heart goes out to Her Majesty and the Royal Family who have lost so much more.” Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling, said: “HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has served our nation through war and peace, touched lives and been part of the transformation our society has seen in this new Elizabethan age.
“We have been blessed to have such a servant of the British people and the Commonwealth.”
The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring, expressed the sadness of Maidstone council and the people of the borough.
As a mark of respect, Town Hall flags across Kent were set at halfmast.
Cllr Ring said: “This is a very sad time for the entire country as we mourn his death and reflect on his life as someone who has been a constant support for Her Majesty The Queen and a highly respected and important advocate as part of our Royal Family.”
In 1984 The Queen and Prince Philip visited the new law courts in Maidstone.
His down-to-earth nature on that day was witnessed by court supervisor Beryl John, who met him in the canteen.
“He just started chatting and asked what my favourite meal was, before saying his was bangers and mash,” she recalled.
Cllr Joy Podbury, Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, said: “We send our heart-felt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all the Royal family. The Duke of Edinburgh provided unfailing support and assistance to her during the whole of their long married life together. We echo the words of Her Majesty as we say we join with people around the world in mourning.” Chairman of Kent County Council, Graham Gibbens, said: “The Duke has been a constant source of support for
Her Majesty The Queen during her reign and he has brought much to the UK and the Commonwealth.
“His ease and good nature with the public when visiting the county, and indeed the many other parts of the UK and the world, will be remembered by many, as will his good humour and love of sports.
“We pay tribute to The Duke for his unwavering support and service to the United Kingdom and our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this most difficult of times.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, said: “His Royal Highness has been a loyal and devoted consort and a source of great strength to Her Majesty The Queen throughout their lifetime together.”
In an unscripted television address on Saturday, Prince Charles paid tribute to his “dear papa” whom he described as “a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him, and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time. Thank you.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, held a service of remembrance at Canterbury Cathedral at the weekend in which he said the duke had had ‘a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life’.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral is expected to be held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor at 3pm Saturday, with mourners limited to 30 to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.