‘Devoted to his country and his family’
BOROUGH LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE TO THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH –
BOROUGH leaders have paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh following his death at the age of 99.
Councils across west London have lowered flags to half mast and opened books of condolence as they remember the Duke and his service to the city and to the Royal Family.
Following the announcement on Friday April 9, Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “It is with great sadness that Hillingdon Council learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh this morning, and our sadness is shared by residents and employees across the borough.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.
“The Union Flag is flying at halfmast at the Civic Centre and Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre in Uxbridge and at the Polish Air Force Memorial in Ruislip, to honour and remember Prince Philip.”
On Monday the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hillingdon, Bruce Houlder; the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Teji Barnes; the Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards; the Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Peter Curling; and the Chief Executive of Hillingdon Council, Fran Beasley laid wreaths on the forecourt of the Civic Centre in Uxbridge.
Members of the public are invited to also pay their respects in Hillingdon by laying floral tributes at this designated site.
The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Dr Abdullah Gulaid also paid tribute. He said: “On behalf of all the residents of Ealing, I wish to offer our condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family at this very sad time.
“He will be remembered for many things, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has helped countless young people since its creation in 1956.
“He will also be remembered for his outstanding dedication and support to Her Majesty the Queen, selflessly serving by her side for over 70 years.”
Flags on Ealing’s public buildings will be flown at half-mast and those who wish to lay a floral tribute locally, can do so outside of Ealing Town Hall.
During the period of mourning the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ealing will not wear chains or robes of office but badges of office will be worn on black neck ribbons.
The Leader of Hounslow Council and Mayor of Hounslow have also expressed their condolences.
Council Leader, Councillor Steve Curran said on Friday: “Today is a national day of mourning as we say goodbye to an inspirational Royal figure who was devoted to his country and his family. I’m sure all Hounslow residents will join me as I express my deepest sympathies to the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this very sad time.”
Hounslow’s Mayor, Councillor Tony Louki, added: “His Royal Highness led an admirable life and will be fondly remembered as not just a dutiful Consort to the Queen but as a devoted father and husband too. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all members of the Royal Family on this very sad day.”
Hammersmith & Fulham Leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan, said Prince Philip would ‘forever be remembered’ by so many people who benefitted from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme when they were young.
He added: “He was a hard-working, dedicated member of the Royal Family whose diligent support for the Queen has been steadfast throughout her long reign.
“The people of Britain will always be particularly grateful for
Prince Philip’s service during the Second World War.”
A virtual book of condolence has been opened so residents can send their personal messages to the palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh visited Hammersmith & Fulham on many occasions, in an official capacity and socially.
Two days after the Queen’s coronation in June 1953 he and the new monarch drove through the streets of west London in an open-top car.
The following month, the Queen and the duke were at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham to attend the Commonwealth and Empire Coronation Call. Prince Philip later became patron of the Hurlingham Club and was a regular visitor to events staged there – notably polo, a sport he greatly enjoyed.
As patron of the London Federation of Boys’ Clubs, the Duke of Edinburgh also visited the Brunswick Boys’ Club (now the Brunswick Club) in Haldane Road, Fulham.
As recently as the summer of 2017 the duke and the Queen watched the finals of polo’s Queen’s Cup from the upper balcony of the royal box at the Hurlingham club.