‘Deep sorrow’ of the Queen as she mourns loss of beloved Duke
THE QUEEN has told of her “deep sorrow” as she announced the death of her beloved husband the Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99.
Buckingham Palace announced Philip’s death just after midday yesterday, issuing a statement that spoke about the Royal Family joining with people across the globe “mourning his loss”.
An international figure since marrying the Queen more 70 years ago, the Duke’s death was marked with tributes from world leaders, foreign royal families and charities he supported.
The Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces 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. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
No further details were released about the circumstances of the death of the Duke, who spent a number of weeks in hospital earlier this year and underwent a successful procedure for a preexisting heart condition.
The announcement of Philip’s death reflected tradition and modern times, with the statement tweeted on the Royal Family account and also a framed notice attached to the railings of Buckingham Palace for a short period.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was one of the first national figures to pay tribute to the Duke, the longest-serving consort in British history.
He said we “give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh”.
Speaking from a podium in Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: “Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.
“Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.
“He was an environmentalist and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.
“With his Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.
“We remember the Duke for all this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen.”
The Prime Minister added: “And it is to Her Majesty and her family that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.
“Because they have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great-grandfather.”
During the lockdowns, Philip stayed at Windsor Castle with the Queen for their safety, alongside a reduced household of staff dubbed HMS Bubble.
The couple are thought to have spent more time together during the past 12 months, shielding from coronavirus, then they would in a normal year.
Windsor yesterday become the focus of royal fans wanting to pay their respects but it is understood they will be encouraged to donate to a charity they support or one Philip was associated with, rather than leave flowers.
Despite this more than 100 floral tributes – ranging from bunches of daffodils to fuller bouquets, many with notes attached – and two Union flags had been placed at the gates by mourners by yesterday evening.
George Jones fought back tears as he laid a large bouquet of white lilies at Cambridge Gate in Windsor.
He crouched at the gate with his hands clasped together in prayer as he silently paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.
The 29-year-old farmer, who travelled from Chelmsford in Essex, described Philip as “a father figure”.
With tears welling up in his eyes, he said: “I was saying my goodbyes and was feeling slightly overwhelmed.
“I think it’s hit everyone hard. I’m in disbelief.”
An online book of condolence in memory of the Duke has been set up for those who wish to send a personal message.
A period of mourning following his death will mean planned Government announcements and ministerial appearances being cancelled.
The news from Buckingham Palace also means Mr Johnson’s plan to have a pint to celebrate the easing of England’s lockdown on April 12 has been postponed.
As tributes poured in, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s website has been transformed into a memorial page to the Duke.
A short message on archewell.com, set against a dark background, says: “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021.”
It adds: “Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed.”
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Philip was an “outstanding example of Christian service”.
He said: “On the occasions I met him I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his inquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from eve
ry background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at their ease and making them feel special. The legacy he leaves is enormous.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had “lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip”.
He said: “He will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to the Queen.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, highlighted the Duke of Edinburgh Awards as “an enormous part of Prince Philip’s legacy”.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she was saddened by the news and sent her “personal and deepest condolences and those of the Scottish government and people of Scotland to Her Majesty the Queen and her family”.
Irish premier Micheal Martin tweeted:
“Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years.
“However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage.
“He was often way ahead of his time in protection of the environment, in reconciliation between religious faiths and of course in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which remains one of the most innovative and effective programmes for the betterment
of young people anywhere in the world.”
The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has expressed his sympathy to the Queen.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said he was saddened to hear of the death. “Prince Philip has been a regular visitor to Northern Ireland in connection with his widespread charitable work,” he added.
“Many pupils from right across the community here have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
“However, his visit to Ireland along with Queen Elizabeth in 2011 stands out as a cherished moment of peace and reconciliation and as an historic demonstration of the importance of mutual understanding and respectful relationships between these islands.”
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir
Nick Carter said: “His Royal Highness has been a great friend, inspiration and role model for the Armed Forces and he will be sorely missed.
“The Duke of Edinburgh served among us during the Second World War and he remained devoted to the Royal Navy and the Armed Forces as a whole. His candour and his humour made many a serviceman and servicewoman chuckle on the countless visits he made to the Armed Forces.
“He cared deeply about the values, standards and sense of service embodied in the military ethos. He was an immensely popular figure and hugely respected by us all.”
Westminster Abbey tolled its tenor bell once every 60 seconds, 99 times, from 6pm yesterday in tribute to the Duke. A Death Gun Salute will be fired at noon today to mark his death, the
Ministry of Defence said. Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes at locations across the UK, in Gibraltar and on Royal Navy ships at sea.
The gun salutes will take place behind closed doors but will be broadcast online and on television and the public are encouraged to observe them from home, the MoD said.
It added that the gun salutes would be fired at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Hillsborough Castle in Belfast, as well as in Gibraltar.
They will be fired at two locations in London – Woolwich Barracks and HM Tower of London.
There will also be gun salutes at HM Naval Base Devonport and HM Naval Base Portsmouth and on ships at sea including HMS and HMS