Flags lowered as the city pays its respects
Union flags are flying at halfmast at Sunderland Civic Centre, Hylton Castle and the Port of Sunderland following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Following the sad news of his death aged 99, just months before his 100th birthday, tributes have been paid from across the UK and the rest of the world.
Sunderland City Council has confirmed it is flying union flags at half mast as a mark of respect to His Royal Highness (HRH).
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland, councillor David Snowdon, also extended his sympathy while noting the Duke’s role in public life.
“HRH Prince Philip was a familiar face and figure across the world, and no stranger to our city with many visits to Sunderland over the years,” he said.
“People in our city will recall The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen opening the new Winter Gardens in 2002, and their visit to the Port of Sunderland as part of the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
“Others may have been there when the royal couple opened Washington School or when the Duke visited Washington Wetland Centre.
“Those with longer memories may remember the visit in 1993 helping mark the first year of city status for Sunderland, and other visits over the years.”
Cllr Snowdon added: “Many, many people in their younger days will also have faced the testing times and the sense of achievement that came with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go to Her Majesty and everyone in the Royal Family.”
Sunderland City Council have also provided a list of Prince Philip’s visits to Sunderland over the decades. These included:
* June 2012 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Port of Sunderland as part of the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee.
* November 2009 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh marked the official opening of the £19 million Washington School.
* October 2005 – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Washington Wetland Centre.
* May 2002 – Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opened the restored Winter Gardens as part of the £10 million restoration of Mowbray Park and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, which included a £7 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
* May 1993 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited England’s newest city a year since the granting of city status.
* May 1987 – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the 607 (Wearmouth) Squadron’s Headquarters at Douglas Road, Seaburn, Sunderland.
* May 1973 – Full day function in Sunderland presenting the Design Council award and attending the Wearmouth 1300 Festival.
* March 1964 – Opening the Edinburgh building at Sunderland College, now University of Sunderland.
* October 1954 – First visit to Sunderland as Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.