World Leaders and Famous Figures Respond to Prince Philip's Death
Royal watchers and public figures around the world are reacting to the news of Prince Philip's death. The Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years passed away at age 99 this morning (Friday, April 9), Buckingham Palace confirmed.
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the palace said in a statement. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The longtime royal consort is survived by the sovereign, 94, four children including Prince Charles, eight grandchildren including Princes William and Harry, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Notes of support poured in on Twitter, as well as other mediums, from celebrities, world leaders, and concerned private individuals alike. See some of their messages and statements below.
President Joe Biden
Both President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a joint statement commemorating the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.
"On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh," began the President's message. "Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family."
The statement continued with the president acknowledging Prince Philip's life of service and extending his condolences to the rest of the royal 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. Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time."
Boris Johnson
The U.K. prime minister released a statement dedicated to the late duke following news of his passing.
"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," read the statement. "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."
Johnson's note concluded, "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 the country."
On the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/rZlbY1matF
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2021
Justin Trudeau
Canada's prime minister also paid tribute to Prince Philip on Twitter.
"It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today. A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country - and the world," he wrote. "Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of all Canadians are with her and the entire Royal Family as they mourn this significant loss."
Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of all Canadians are with her and the entire Royal Family as they mourn this significant loss. https://t.co/fgw9jyTM20
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 9, 2021
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium sent their condolences to Queen Elizabeth on the platform.
"Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the statement read. "We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. Philippe and Mathilde"
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. ⁰Philippe and Mathilde pic.twitter.com/Y7WKzNX6bK
— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) April 9, 2021
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix of the Royal House of the Netherlands honored the late Duke of Edinburgh in a statement.
"It is with great respect that we remember His Royal Highness Prince Philip," the post to Twitter read. "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."
Response by King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix upon the death of Prince Philip. https://t.co/WKiwviYw4t pic.twitter.com/wR2pVg0XuT
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) April 9, 2021
King Carl XVI Gustaf
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden released a statement in response to Philip's death.
"The Queen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh," the royal said. "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 Harald
King Harald of Norway released a statement sending his condolences to Queen Elizabeth.
"Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and the rest of her family. We also send our condolences to the British people," the monarch said in the statement.
Queen Margrethe II
Queen Margrethe of Denmark sent her personal condolences to Queen Elizabeth, according to a statement released by The Royal House.
Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, wrote on Twitter, "I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family."
I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family. https://t.co/G7ocXXOH2U
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 9, 2021
Mark Drakeford
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said on Twitter that he was "incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh."
His tribute continued, "He served the crown with selfless devotion and will be sorely missed by the people of Wales and the many organisations he supported."
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
He served the crown with selfless devotion and will be sorely missed by the people of Wales and the many organisations he supported.
My condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the family during this sad time. pic.twitter.com/CYbdntxLxz— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) April 9, 2021
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