The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell MVO Dl, writes:

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH 1921-2021

IT is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.

The Duke of Edinburgh dedicated decades of his life to Royal Duty and became the longest serving Consort in British history. As well as supporting a wide range of interests in the armed services, he founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in 1956 which now operates in 144 countries.

The Duke had a great affinity with the Royal

Police chief’s privilege

THE Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police said it has been a privilege to protect and serve the Duke of Edinburgh.

John Campbell, QPM, added that it was with great regret that they learnt of the death of Prince Philip.

“The Duke of Edinburgh is the longestserving British consort and Thames Valley

Police has had the privilege to protect and serve both the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty

The Queen while in residence at Windsor

Castle,” he said.

“We have a long and proud association with the Royal family and have had the privilege to County of Berkshire and particularly Windsor, where he lived for nearly 70 years.

He was an inspirational Ranger (Chairman) of Windsor Great Park for almost 70 years and Patron of The Prince Philip Trust which supports projects and people across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

He was also Founder and President of the Guards Polo Club.

His Royal Highness was instrumental in helping to launch and support the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) some 30 years ago and his grand-daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York, has continued that involvement and has been Patron of BCF since 2014.

He will be fondly remembered by many people across the County. police a number of Royal events, from the annual Windsor Garter Ceremony, to State

Visits, to Her Majesty’s 90th birthday and more recently the Royal Weddings.

“On behalf of the whole of Thames Valley Police, I offer our deepest condolences to The Queen, to all of the Royal Family and members of the Royal Household.”

He added: “I am so proud and honoured to lead a police force that gets the opportunity to work with the Royal Family on so many occasions.

“We always receive letters of thanks from the Queen’s private office after policing Royal events which is an extra special little touch of thanks.”