THERESA: WHAT AN INSPIRATION
Leaders from all parties put divisions aside to pay tribute
THERESA May yesterday expressed her ‘deepest gratitude and good wishes’ to Prince Philip on behalf of the nation.
The Prime Minister took time out from the general election campaign to pay tribute to the Duke’s ‘steadfast support’ for the Queen and unwavering dedication to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.
She was joined by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who thanked the Duke of Edinburgh for his ‘public duty’, while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised his charity work.
In a Downing Street statement, Mrs May said: ‘On behalf of the whole country, I want to offer our deepest gratitude and good wishes to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh following today’s announcement that he will stand down from public duties in the autumn.
‘From his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen to his inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Awards and his patronage of hundreds of charities and good causes, his contribution to our United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the wider world will be of huge benefit to us all for years to come.’
Politicians were united in their praise for the 95-year-old Duke’s contribution to national life, spanning more than six decades.
Mr Corbyn said: ‘I would like to pay tribute to Prince Philip following his decision to retire from public service...He has dedicated his life to supporting the Queen and our country with a clear sense of public duty. His Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has inspired young people for more than 60 years in over 140 nations. We thank Prince Philip for his service to the country and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.’
SNP leader Miss Sturgeon quipped that he had ‘more than earned his retirement’. ‘He has dedicated his life to public service and to supporting the Queen,’ she said. ‘Prince Philip, as well as the support he has given the Queen and his own public services, he has done an amazing amount of charity work as well ... he has always gone about his public service with a healthy and sometimes mischievous sense of humour.’
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau led tributes from the Commonwealth on social media. He tweeted: ‘On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank Prince Philip for his decades of service and wish him the all the best.’
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: ‘Perhaps 30 years later than most people retire, the Duke of Edinburgh is announcing that that is what he is intending to do, and I think it is a moment to celebrate and take stock of the enormous achievements that he has made in his life so far.’ Ukip leader Paul Nuttall suggested political differences were set aside to honour the Duke, adding: ‘For over 60 years he has been a dedicated public servant, and deserves our great thanks. Happy retirement Sir.’
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh has given the most extraordinary public service to this country...Well into his 90s he has continued with public engagements with awe inspiring dedication and energy – as well as his trademark wit.’
Former Prime Minister David Cameron also took to Twitter to comment on their many meetings. ‘We owe him a huge debt of gratitude,’ he wrote. ‘I always enjoyed his company, esp his BBQs!’
And on his third day as Evening Standard editor, George Osborne tweeted a picture of yesterday’s front page alongside the message: ‘A historic day. Thank you, Prince Philip, for 70 years of service.’