London, SAEDNEWS: Public figures in the United Kingdom and across the world have reacted with sadness to the death of Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, “passed away peacefully” on Friday morning at Windsor Castle aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced.
The husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip had been by the monarch’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history.
During his long and storied life, which saw him fight in World War II and play a key role in modernising the monarchy, he earned a reputation as an oftentimes gruff figure with a troubling habit for making bigoted remarks.
But he also won widespread affection for his unyielding devotion to the queen and his charitable efforts, which focused on younger people, wildlife conservation and battling the scourge of climate change.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Johnson hailed the Duke of Edinburgh’s “extraordinary life and work” and sent his condolences to Queen Elizabeth II over her husband’s death.
“We remember the Duke … above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort, by her side, every day of her reign, but as her husband, her strength and stay of more than 70 years,” Johnson said in a televised address to the nation.
“Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life,” he added.
“And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.”
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