Reactions As Prince Philip Passes On At 99

The Duke was married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years and became the longest-serving consort in British history.

Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on 16 March after spending nearly a month in hospital – his longest ever stay. He initially received care for an infection but then underwent a heart procedure for a pre-existing condition.

Philip is pictured with the Queen at Windsor last June

Below are some of the reactions from prominent people;

‘We are a kingdom united in grief and gratitude,’ Boris Johnson says.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain led tributes to Prince Philip on Friday, praising his lifelong support for Queen Elizabeth II and adding that he had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.”

“He was the longest-serving consort in history and one of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the Second World War,” Mr. Johnson said in a statement read in somber tones.

Referring to the prince’s hobby of driving horse-drawn carriages, Mr. Johnson added that “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.”

Palace staff attach the official announcement of Prince Philip’s death to the gates of Buckingham Palace

The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, echoed those sentiments, saying that Britain had “lost an extraordinary public servant.”

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country — from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh,” Mr. Starmer added in a statement.

“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to the queen.”

Scotland’s leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said that she was saddened by the news of Philip’s death and that she was sending her deepest condolences to the royal family.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said that he was grateful for the contributions Philip had made to the city, including his charity work, and that his legacy would positively affect the city for many years to come.

Lindsay Hoyle, the House of Commons speaker, also paid tribute, saying, “His was a long life that saw so much dedication to duty.”

Across the Commonwealth, heads of state also offered their condolences. Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said in a statement that the prince had “embodied a generation that we will never see again.”

Similar condolences were offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.