Buckingham Palace has today confirmed the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99.
Flags are flying at half-mast on Scottish Government buildings and online Books of Condolence are open. Tributes and messages of condolence have been pouring in since the news broke –
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
It was with great sadness that a short time ago I received word from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99.
Prince Philip 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,
one of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the second world war at Cape Matapan, where he was mentioned in despatches for bravery
and in the invasion of Sicily, where he saved his ship by his quick thinking and from that conflict he took an ethic of service that he applied throughout the unprecedented changes of the post war era.
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 of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty The Queen.
Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her “strength and stay”, of more than 70 years.
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.
Speaking on their golden wedding anniversary, Her Majesty said that our country owed her husband “a greater debt than he would ever claim or we shall ever know” and I am sure that estimate is correct.
So we mourn today with Her Majesty The Queen
we offer our condolences to her and to all her family
and we give thanks, as a nation and a Kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has sent a message of condolence to Her Majesty The Queen following the announcement.
The First Minister said:
“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.
“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and their grief is shared by people across the country.
“The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle.
“From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over fifty years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.
“Online Books of Condolence will open in the coming days to allow people to pay their respects. In line with current restrictions, the Royal Household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse or Balmoral Castle at this time. The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Since her accession in 1952, the Duke has given the Queen his unstinting support and dedication. Their marriage was a true, and enduring partnership.
Prince Philip’s life was one of tireless public service. That was never more evident than during his countless visits to Scotland, where the Duke’s warmth and humour endeared him to Scots from all walks of life.
His Royal Highness had a long and fond relationship with Scotland and, through his fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, has played a key role in building the confidence, ambition and aspiration of thousands of young Scots.
As we reflect on the Duke’s life, we give thanks for his remarkable lifetime of dignity and devoted service, and extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.
He was an amazing man, a great character. I fear we will never see his like again.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM has issued the following statement after Buckingham Palace officially announced the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
He said: “It is with great sadness that we have today learned of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness spent many days in Scotland, particularly at Balmoral, and met many people at functions in Aberdeenshire and across Scotland.
“Whether at the side of Her Majesty The Queen or making his own visits to organisations, his interest in and support of those who serve Scotland and our communities was clear to everyone.
“We will be taking time to pay our respects over the coming days.”
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has expressed sadness at Prince Philip’s passing.
He said: “He was a remarkable man who provided a tremendous support to Her Majesty the Queen and, like her, had a remarkable perspective on global events built up over many decades of public service.
“Prince Philip was a huge supporter of rural life and has been a regular visitor to my constituency both accompanying The Queen on official visits and during events at Drumlanrig Castle when pursuing his passion for horse-carriage driving.
“Amongst many interests, he was keen in encouraging young people to make the most of themselves and many locally have benefitted from participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes.”
Mr Mundell added: “Prince Philip’s sometimes mischievous personality and dry sense of humour, although occasionally controversial, also endeared him to many.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Elaine Murray, Depute Leader, Rob Davidson and interim Chief Executive, Fiona Lees, have expressed their deepest sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and members of The Royal Family.
“His Royal Highness had a special relationship with Scotland, and Scotland had a special affection for him.
We would like to pay tribute to his tremendous public service, and his steadfast support to Her Majesty the Queen.
His dedication brought joy to countless people from all walks of life, and in particular the millions of young people worldwide who participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
On behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Council and all the communities across our region, we join the nation in mourning.”
As a mark of respect, flags will fly at half-mast on all Council buildings and flagpoles until the morning following the funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
In line with current restrictions, the Royal Household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse or Balmoral Castle at this time. The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.
Please send your message of condolence By Clicking HERE
A selection of messages will be passed onto members of the Royal Family and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity.
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