Tributes pour in for the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and the husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, died Friday at the age of 99.

Buckingham Palace announced his death, saying in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a statement offering condolences to the queen and the royal family.

“By any measure, Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life — as a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and above all, as Her Majesty The Queen’s loyal consort,” he said. “We are a kingdom united both in grief and gratitude; grief at Prince Philip’s passing, and gratitude for his decades of selfless service to this country.”

The Labour Party’s leader, Keir Starmer, released a statement noting the country’s loss of “an extraordinary public servant.”

“For more than seven decades, he has been at [the Queen’s] side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength and stability and hope, even as the world around them changed — most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond,” the statement read.

The U.K. football club Arsenal also paid tribute to Prince Philip, noting that his relationship with the team began in October 1952, less than a year after Elizabeth ascended the throne.

“Fittingly, that visit was to support a charity fixture between the Gunners and Hibernian, and he subsequently supported a number of other charitable initiatives at the club, including visiting the community department to learn about the ‘Double Club’ in 2000. His Royal Highness was also present at a number of Wembley Cup finals in which Arsenal participated,” the statement from the team read.

“First and foremost, however, he will always be remembered by Arsenal supporters for officially opening Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2006, when he showed a keen interest in our new home, speaking to players, management, supporters, and many staff. It was an unforgettable day for all concerned,” it added.

Current and former presidents shared statements expressing their condolences for the grieving family.

“The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped,” President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement.

“Over the past few years, Melania and I were honored to have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom. We saw firsthand how the Monarchy epitomizes and carries on the virtues of the British People — and no one did so more than Prince Philip,” former President Donald Trump said. “As we grieve his loss, we celebrate his memory and rededicate ourselves to the values to which he devoted his extraordinary life. He will be greatly missed.”

Former President Barack Obama also said, “The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.”

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