Tributes to ‘amazing person’ whose ‘sharp wit and views earned him great affection’
FLAGS FLY AT HALF-MAST AS COUNTY AND CITY LEADERS PAY RESPECTS TO PRINCE
CIVIC leaders and other prominent figures in Leicestershire have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who has died aged 99.
The Queen’s consort of the past 73 years died at Windsor Castle, with Buckingham Palace announcing in a statement on Friday: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.”
His death has prompted messages from all around the world and in Leicestershire politicians and community leaders have shared their thoughts on the duke’s passing.
A spokesperson said: “The Mayor of Charnwood, councillors and officers of Charnwood Borough Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.
The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Snartt, said: “This is a very sad day for our nation and on behalf of the borough of Charnwood, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family.
“The Duke of Edinburgh selflessly served our country for so many years and earned the respect of not just this nation, but of those around the world.
“Now is a time for mourning, but we should remember the Duke with pride and affection.”
Flags are being flown at half-mast at the Council’s main office and at Loughborough Town Hall.
The Management Committee, Trustees and the members of Geeta Bhawan, Hindu religious and community Centre in Loughborough, Have expressed their profound sadness on the demise of His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
A spokesperson said: “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty, the Queen and to the Royal family.
“Prince Philip will be greatly missed for his many contributions and lifelong dedication to the Royal duties right up to his retirement which is indeed an inspiration to the younger as well as to the older generations.
“His pioneering initiatives to launch Duke of Edinburgh awards and raising awareness to the environmental and conservation issues are some of his legacies we are indebted to him.
“As a religious organization, we appreciate his foresightedness to promote interfaith dialogue which is a highly valuable for the national and global peaceful coexistence in a diverse society we live in.
“We offer prayers for his soul to rest in peace and for the Royal family to endure this irreplaceable loss.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur, who is the
Queen’s representative in the county, said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of the duke, who dedicated his life to the service of our country and to providing unwavering support to the Queen.
“I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to the Queen and all members of the royal family at this very sad time.”
His predecessor, Lady Gretton, who served as the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire between 2003 and 2018, met the duke on many occasions and described him as an “amazing person”.
She said: “It’s a very sad day. A lot of people will feel very sincerely that we have lost someone very special.
“I met him for the first time shortly after I became Lord-Lieutenant in 2003 and my first impression of him was of his dedication to Her Majesty and he always had tremendous interest in everything – whatever he was doing he always had a great interest in it and a great knowledge, too.
“He was the longest-serving consort and it was amazing the contribution he made through his service and dedication.
“He was an amazing person.” Politicians have also shared messages of condolence.
Former Charnwood MP and culture secretary Baroness Nicky Morgan praised Prince Philip for his contribution to the country in a tribute on Twitter.
She said: “Sad news about the death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh – he made an immense contribution to this county and nowhere more so than to the development of the character and broadening of horizons of so many young people who have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme over many years.”
Alberto Costa, Conservative MP for South Leicestershire, said in a tweet: “I am very sorry to hear of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
“A lifetime of dedicated public service and a rock of support to HM The Queen. On behalf of the people of South Leicestershire, may I offer HM The Queen and the royal family our sincere condolences.”
The chairman of the county council, Pam Posnett, said: “We are all deeply moved to hear of the death of
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
“I speak on behalf of the elected members and those working for the county council in expressing our collective sadness.
“As a mark of respect, the Union and county Flags have been halfmasted at County Hall.”
The Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow said: “Today, I have heard with sadness of the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Since he married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, he has had a unique place in our national life and affections, and has made a special contribution to the shared life of the Commonwealth.
“As the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch, he has provided consistent strength and support for the Queen through times of national and international upheaval and change, as well as peace and celebration.
“He deserves our deep respect and thanks, and my thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the other members of the royal family.”