The Royal Families of Europe Respond to the Death of Prince Philip

From Town & Country

Prince Philip has long held an important position among European royalty. Over the course of more than 70 years of marriage to Queen Elizabeth II, he became the longest-serving consort in British history and one of, if not the, most prominent royal spouses in the world. Of course, Elizabeth wasn't Philip's only claim to standing among the royal families of Europe—as the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg, Philip was born sixth in line to the Greek throne and the great-great grandson of Queen Victoria. So of course it's only natural that the news of his death at the age of 99 has inspired many of the royals of Europe to reach out with words of remembrance.

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands shared an official statement of sympathy. "It is with great respect that we remember His Royal Highness Prince Philip," they wrote. "Throughout his long life, he committed himself with dedication to the British people and to his many duties and responsibilities. His lively personality never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all the members of the Royal Family."

Likewise, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden released a statement saying that, "The Queen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued. His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all. We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom."

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium also shared their sadness over the news of Philip's passing.

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom," they wrote on the official Twitter account of the Belgian Royal Palace.

Margareta, Custodian of the Crown in Romania—whose father, King Michael was a cousin of Philip's and was born in the same year as the Duke of Edinburgh—also shared her condolences through the Romanian royal family's Twitter account. "Her Majesty the Custodian of the Romanian Crown and HRH the Prince Consort, along with the whole Romanian Royal Family, learned with profound sadness and immense sorrow the news of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh."

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• What Your Favorite Champagne Brand Says About You

• Beauty Gurus Share Their Makeup Secrets for Older Women