Prince Philip: reactions and tributes around the world to the death of the Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Friday at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle outside London, was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

He was married to the Queen for over 70 years and together they had four children, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

His death, announced by Buckingham Palace this Friday morning, caused many reactions in the UK and around the world.

Following the royal family’s statement, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was one of the first to speak, ensuring he got the news “with great sadness“.

“He has inspired the lives of countless young people … He has helped make the royal family and the monarchy an institution undoubtedly vital to the balance and happiness of our lives,” he added from Downing Street, his official residence.

The British Prime Minister also recalled Prince Philip as one of the last survivors who fought in WWII.

“From this conflict he drew an ethic of service which he applied during the unprecedented changes of the post-war period,” he added.

For his part, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, tweeted: “Today we mourn the loss of an extraordinary man, who has dedicated his life to public service and helping others. “

From Texas, former US President George W. Bush joined him in offering his condolences and said he would be missed.

“Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and spirit of his company, and we know how much we will miss him.”

Across the sea Ireland, the president of this country, Micheál Martin, assured that he was “saddened” by the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”

In continental Europe, the immediate reactions were numerous.

The kings of Spain sent a telegram to their “dear aunt Lilibet” to mourn the death of “dear uncle Felipe”.

For his part, the king Carl Gustaf of Sweden He said he and Queen Silvia were “deeply saddened”.

“Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relationship that we deeply appreciate. His service to his country will continue to be an inspiration to all of us.

While the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert AbelaHe said he was “really saddened by the loss of Prince Philip”.

“He made his home in Malta and returned there very often. Our people will always cherish his memory,” he continued.

the King Philippe of Belgium He conveyed the condolences of the Belgian royal family to the Queen in a private message.

In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of that country remembered Prince Philip as a man who “embodied a generation that we will never see again. “

“Australians send our love and condolences to Her Majesty and the entire Royal Family,” he said in a statement.

“The Commonwealth Family joins the pain and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. “.

In the neighbor New ZealandPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ordered the flags of all government buildings and ships across the country to be half-masted.

He reported that after the Duke’s funeral, a national memorial service will be held in Wellington, the capital of the ocean country.

“Our hearts go out to Her Majesty The Queen at this deeply sad time. In the name of the people and the New Zealand government, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Her Majesty and to the entire Royal Family, ”said Arden.

“Prince Philip will be remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Prize … New Zealanders will also be remembered for the extraordinary support the Duke of Edinburgh brought to Her Majesty the Queen, “he added.

The president of IsraelReuven Rivlin expressed his condolences to the royal family in a social media post.

“May your memory be a blessing.”

Meanwhile, he Prime Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the prince’s military career and community work.

“He has had a distinguished career in the military and has been at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace,” Modi tweeted.

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