LAST UPDATE | 9 Apr 2021
PRINCE PHILIP HAS died aged 99, Buckingham Palace confirmed this afternoon.
Politicians and other public figures in Ireland, the UK and around the world are releasing tributes to Prince Philip and condolences to his family.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin said he was “saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time,” Martin said.
In a statement, the Taoiseach said that “Ireland remembers the great success of the State Visit to Ireland in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, a historic and important occasion which was a key moment in our bilateral relations”.
“This was followed in 2014 by the State Visit to the United Kingdom by the President and Mrs Higgins, when they were hosted so generously in Windsor Castle and across Britain,” he said.
“The commitment of the Royal Family to Irish-British relations is an important part of the work we do together – and today we pay tribute to Prince Philip’s own important contribution.”
President Michael D. Higgins said he learned of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death “with great sadness”.
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I wish to convey my condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her children, her extended family and the people of the United Kingdom,” the President said.
“Prince Philip was a steadfast support to Queen Elizabeth II. He accompanied the Queen on her many visits to Northern Ireland and also on her historic State Visit to Ireland in 2011,” he said.
I recall with a special appreciation how welcome he made Sabina and I feel in 2014, when I was making the first State Visit by an Irish Head of State to the United Kingdom.
“My hope is that these visits in 2011 and 2014, which he shared, will continue to be symbols of what we share as neighbours in friendship, peace and a sustainable future.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald offered “sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip”.
“Sympathies to those of a British identity on our island, for whom his death will be felt as a great loss. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis,” McDonald said.
From the Houses of the Oirechtas, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly sent a joint statement with their sympathies.
“On behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas we extend our sincere sympathy to Queen Elizabeth and family and to all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of their beloved Prince Philip,” Ó Fearghail and Daly said.
“Throughout his long life he showed an exemplary commitment to public service and was a constant support to Queen Elizabeth. Today a family has lost a husband of many years, a father, a grandfather, a friend and a nation has lost a Prince who represented it with good humour and deep dedication over a long period of time,” they said.
Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin said he was “saddened” to hear of the death and the Queen, and all the members of the Royal family, are in his prayers.
“I will offer prayers for Queen Elizabeth and her family at this difficult personal time and will pray for the happy repose of the soul of Prince Philip,” he said.
In the UK, prime minister Boris Johnson said Prince Philip “lived an extraordinary life”.
“Our thoughts are with her Majesty and her family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “I join with the rest of the United Kingdon and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and give thanks to God for his extraordinary life of dedicated service”.
“On the occasions when I met him, I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his enquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life,” the archbishop said.
Leader of the Labour party Keir Starmer said that “the United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip”.
“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh,” Starmer said.
“However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen. For more than seven decades, he has been at her side.”
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was “saddened” to hear of his death.
“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,” she said.
In Northern Ireland, first minister Arlene Foster offered “deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and to all members of the Royal Family at this sad time”.
“It is a sadness that I know will be shared by countless others in Northern Ireland and across the world,” she said.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “As Deputy First Minister I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and her family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip.”
It is expected that Prince Philip’s funeral will be “pared back” compared to a usual royal funeral due to the pandemic.
The Press Association has reported that royal commentator Joe Little said that Prince Philip “didn’t want all the pomp and pageantry anyway, so I suppose in a way it would suit his purpose”.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away this morning at Windsor Castle.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “”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. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
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