LONDON: The Royal family took to the twitter on Friday 9th of April, 2021 to state: “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.”
PM Boris Johnson paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh held: “Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken to the Twitter to state: “My condolences on the demise of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. His role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated: “Thoughts are with the British people and the Royal family. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace”.
President Joe Biden stated: “From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye – Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Philip “rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and internationally.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Prince Philip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world.”
Donald Trump, maintaining that the death of Prince Philip was an irreplaceable loss to his country, expressed his and wife Melania’s heartfelt sympathies to Queen Elizabeth II and her family: “The world mourns the passing of Prince Philip, a man who embodied the noble soul and proud spirit of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth…
“This is an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization…Prince Philip defined British dignity and grace. He personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude, and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom.”
Barack Obama praised Prince Philip as someone who took his job as husband to the queen with selflessness: “At the queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom.”
French President Emmanuel Macron noted that Philip lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to youth and the environment.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel: “His friendship with Germany, his straightforward nature and his sense of duty will remain unforgotten”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others”.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella: “Exemplary dedication, accompanying the evolution of his country with an open and innovative spirit. Italians would cherish a grateful memory of his deep admiration for Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast after the passing of Philip: “The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip.”
EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen: “I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day.”
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen lauded Philip’s “sense of service and dedication to the crown and the United Kingdom.”
Philip was born on 10th day of June, 1921 to Prince Andrew of Greece/Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg on the Greek island of Corfu. Following Greco-Turkish war in 1922, Philip’s family was banished for life from Greece. 18-month-old Philip was carried to safety in a cot made from a fruit box as a British naval vessel evacuated the family.
He lived in France for six years. In 1928 he was sent to the UK to study: “My mother was ill, my sisters were married, my father was in the south of France – I just had to get on with it,” stated Philip (in 1950s) who was sent to Germany in 1933 for edification. When he was 18 Philip joined Royal Naval College and graduated as a top cadet ahead of WWII.
When he was 21, Philip was promoted to first lieutenant of the HMS Wallace. In 1939 he met Elizabeth when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth brought their two daughters, to tour the Royal Naval College. They commence exchanging letters when Elizabeth was 13. In 1946 Phillip asked King George for the princess’ hand in marriage. On 20th of November, 1947 the couple wed at Westminster Abbey. Philip was named Duke of Edinburgh on the eve of their wedding day and a Prince of the United Kingdom in 1957.
He had completed 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits before retiring from public duty in 2017. After his retirement he mostly stayed at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. In 2019, he escaped serious injury after his car overturned in an accident outside the estate. Before Christmas he was admitted to a London hospital.
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