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Tributes to Prince Philip who has died

Friday, 9 April 2021 12:30

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and longest-serving consort in British history, has died at the age of 99.

He passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning (9 April), Buckingham Palace confirmed. 

A statement from the Royal Family said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.

"Further announcements will be made in due course. Visit www.royal.uk to read the announcement in full." 

Memories of Prince Philip 

Visiting the Range Boilers in Bridge Street, Prince Philip graced the local Stalybridge business in the 1960s after being invited by Chairman, ED Dickinson, a monumental memory for all involved.

Tameside residents felt the love from the cherished Royal couple in 2012 when the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee after taking the throne on February 6, 1952. Celebrations began with a fantastic firework display by the lake in Ashton, cascading in glittering colour.

In 1964, Prince Philip had a whistle-stop tour of the region's industries, calling in at Ashton Brothers, Hyde; Daniel Adamson & Co and William Kenyon, Dukinfield; and Range Boilers, Stalybridge.

Providing the High Peak with a beautiful new amenity, Prince Philip is also remembered for planting a tree at Eccles Fold in Chapel-en-le-Frith in the early 1980s - a reminiscence which many local families hold dear.

Local tributes

Tameside Council issued a statement which said: "The Civic Mayor, members and officers of Tameside Council are deeply saddened by the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the entire Royal Family, but most especially Her Majesty the Queen and her children the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.

Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Janet Cooper, commented: "It is with the utmost regret, and an almost personal sense of loss, that I have learned of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

"In his long and eventful life Prince Philip gave our country distinguished service in many roles. As an officer in the Royal Navy he saw action in the Second World War. He supported charities, promoted Britain’s interests abroad, and founded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which has helped and inspired so many young people since 1956.

"However, he was best known as the loving husband of Her Majesty the Queen. Throughout more than 70 years of marriage he was constantly at her side, offering support as she carried out her duties at home and across the world.

"At this very sad time I would like to extend my sympathies to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Tameside. We mourn with them and share their grief." 

Civic flags are at half-mast as a mark of respect across the borough. The official Buckingham Palace e-book of condolence is available at www.royal.uk. The Royal Family have issued a statement advising that due to the continuing pandemic, there will be no physical books of condolence for the public to sign.

In a statement Tameside Council said for those who do not have access to the internet it will ensure anyone who wants to leave a message can do so using the computers at each of its eight libraries. Please check the website for opening times: www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries. 

The Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke.

A minute’s silence in remembrance of Prince Philip is being organised and details will be released as soon as they are available.

High Peak Borough Council leader Anthony Mckeown said: "My thoughts and deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family today, on the passing of Prince Philip."

The borough council's flags in Glossop and Buxton will also be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. 

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne said: “I was saddened to hear today about the passing of Prince Philip. He led an extraordinary life of public service, both in our armed forces and – for over seven decades – as a member of the Royal Family.

“Along with the Queen, Prince Philip has been a constant throughout our lives and we thank him for his many years of dedicated service to this nation and to the wider Commonwealth.

“People across the country will rightly mourn this sad loss, but my thoughts are especially with the Queen and the Royal Family, who have lost an important and loved member of their family.”

Angela Rayner, Ashton-under-Lyne MP and the deputy leader of the Labour Party, said Prince Philip "embodied the values of public service that we all hold dear and cherish". 

High Peak MP Robert Largan commented: "HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has served our nation through war and peace for many years. May he rest in peace." 

Doreen Dickinson, the Leader of the Conservative Group on Tameside Council, said he has been "resolute in being the strength for our Queen" and "dedicated his life in his own way to being a Consort". 

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds said: "I’m so sorry to hear of the death of Prince Philip. My deepest condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and all who mourn his loss. A long life of serving the public across the generations." 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I want to convey our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, her children, grandchildren and other members the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

“Prince Philip gave a lifetime of service to our country and was an ever-present in our lives at the side of the Queen, representing all our nations and regions at countless engagements over the years.

“He made many visits to our city-region and his work touched the lives of so many people here. For many years, Prince Philip acted as Chancellor of the University of Salford, from the time of its Royal Charter in 1967 right through to 1991. He remained a keen follower of the university thereafter, returning to meet new generations of students at the state-of-the-art MediaCity campus in 2012.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s lifelong commitment to public service will be remembered with gratitude across Greater Manchester.”

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, added: “I would like to join the Mayor in expressing my condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family following the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“As the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history, His Royal Highness performed a vital public role in representing all parts the UK on Commonwealth tours and state visits overseas.

“At home, his work with charities and other organisations – as Patron, President or a member of more than 750 during his lifetime – shows how passionately he supported and endorsed causes close to his heart, including conservation, sport, design, engineering and the environment.

“Across Greater Manchester we will be paying tribute to His Royal Highness, and we will always remember his achievements and hard work in representing us, the people of this city-region.”

Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The sad news of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is felt keenly by colleagues at GMFRS and emergency services across Greater Manchester.

“Flags will be at half-mast at our fire stations and our firefighters and other personnel will join citizens across our city-region in paying our respects. At this time, on behalf of this organisation, I would like to express my condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family and the friends of His Royal Highness.

“Our emergency service has been enriched over many years by the young people involved in His Royal Highness’s Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Thousands of youngsters from across our city-region – like so many others across the country – have gained new skills and confidence, enriching their lives and our communities with their enthusiasm, commitment and leadership.

“At this sad time, those of us working for GMFRS are reminded of the values of public service exemplified by the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His legacy of commitment to this country and the people living and working within it will be long-lasting, and his is an example we should aspire to mirror as we serve the people of Greater Manchester.”

National tributes 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Prince Philip was "a much-loved and highly respected public figure" who "lived an extraordinary life". 

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said that the UK has lost "an extraordinary public servant" who dedicated his life to our country. 

 

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