Respects paid to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

People in North Lancashire and South Cumbria have been paying tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement just after midday on Friday 9th April saying “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 on Friday morning at Windsor Castle.

In a warm and heartfelt tribute HM Lord- Lieutenant for Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman said:

“This is a day of great sadness as we mourn the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip, until his retirement from most public engagements at the remarkable age of 99, was the mainstay of our Royal Family and we can be very grateful for his enduring and positive influence on our national life. Perhaps he will be best remembered for the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme’, something he started in 1956 and which has gone from strength to strength and stood the test of time. It is a scheme that has enriched young people’s lives all over the world that is known and respected by millions, and with which he always maintained a very close involvement.

“The Duke was well known to us locally here in Cumbria: a keen carriage driver, he was a regular competitor in our County. His list of patronages also extends to a number of Cumbrian organisations, particularly the two Outward Bound Trust centres, which he visited regularly. The Duke will be greatly missed and our thoughts and sympathy are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult and painful time.”

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth gave this statement:

“Everyone in Lancashire will join me in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who has played a prominent role in the life of our nation for almost 75 years.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have suffered the greatest loss, Her Majesty The Queen, Duke of Lancaster, The Prince of Wales and all members of The Duke’s family, and we think of all others affected personally by this sad news.

“We also recollect all the marvellous work of HRH, not only at the side and in support of The Queen, but in his own right as leader and influencer of so many organisations and charities. We here in Lancashire will have our own memories of his visits to the county and his encouragement to so many people on those occasions.”

Further announcements will be made by the palace in due course.

An online book of condolence has been opened for those wishing to pay their respects and a statement posted by The Royal Family urged people to follow coronavirus rules:

“In accordance with public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance, not to gather in crowds, and not to visit Royal residences to pay their respects. During this time 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 of Edinburgh.”

It has been confirmed that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral will take place on Saturday 17 April 2021 at 3pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The Funeral Service will begin with a national minute’s silence. The service will be preceded by a ceremonial procession inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The plans for the funeral are in line with The Duke of Edinburgh’s own personal wishes, and the occasion will recognise and celebrate The Duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to The Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.

It will be a Ceremonial Royal Funeral, the same as for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, rather than a State Funeral. The plans have been approved by The Queen and reflect appropriate Government advice.