Prince Philip: Chesterfield MP and Derbyshire council leader among those paying tribute to Duke of Edinburgh following his death

Tributes have been paid to the Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort in British history, following his death aged 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh braving the rain in Chesterfield in 2003.The Duke of Edinburgh braving the rain in Chesterfield in 2003.
The Duke of Edinburgh braving the rain in Chesterfield in 2003.

Prince Philip, described by Queen Elizabeth II as her "strength and stay" during her record-breaking reign, passed away at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

After Buckingham Palace announced news of the Duke’s passing, world leaders and other notable figures from around the globe took to social media to reflect on his life and offer their condolences to the Royal Family.

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Among those paying tribute were Prime Minister Boris Johnson who said Prince Philip “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.”

Speaking from a podium in Downing Street, Mr Johnson said: “He (Philip) was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.

“With his Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.

“We remember the duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen.

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“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.

“And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.

“Because they have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great-grandfather.”

Elsewhere, Derbyshire County Council leader, Barry Lewis, described the passing of the Duke as “tremendously sad news.”

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Posting on Twitter, he added: “Deepest condolences to the Royal Family from the people of Derbyshire.”

Derbyshire Constabulary said it was with “deep sadness” that the force learned of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: “With each police force in England and Wales, Derbyshire Constabulary offer our condolences to the Royal Family and join the nation in mourning this sad news.”

Meanwhile Toby Perkins, Labour MP for Chesterfield, reflected on the life of Prince Philip and thanked him for his “many years of service to our nation.”

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