Commonwealth leaders tell of sorrow
COMMONWEALTH leaders and European royal families have paid emotional tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh who “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.
Prince Philip’s reputation across the Continent and the Commonwealth was clear with the outpouring of grief following the announcement yesterday that he had died at the age of 99.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted that the Duke “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.
“Australians send our love and deepest condolences to Her Majesty and all the Royal family,” he wrote.
“The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia.”
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau described Philip as a “man of great purpose and conviction” in a tribute posted on the social media platform.
“A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world,” he wrote.
“Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.”
The prime minister and president of Malta both expressed their sorrow at the death of Philip, who was stationed in Malta early in his marriage to the Queen.
The Duke handed over the formal independence documents to Malta’s prime minister in September 1964, ending 165 years of British rule.
Prime minister Robert Abela recalled Philip had “made Malta his home and returned here so often. Our people will always treasure his memory. Our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the Royal Family”.
President George Vella conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Philip for his “distinguished career in the military” and work “at the forefront of many community service initiatives”.
The Dutch Royal family offered its “heartfelt sympathy” to the Queen, while King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden said Philip remained “an inspiration to us all”.
The Belgian Royal Palace said it was “deeply saddened” by Philip’s death, while the Royal House of Norway said the news had been received with “great sorrow”.