Mansfield tributes coming in as Prince Philip dies aged 99

Prince Philip has died this morning aged 99 at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace has announced today (Friday).

Philip, was the longest-serving consort in British history. The duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch's side.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

The Palace said in a statement: "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."

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

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Ashfield and Eastwood MP Lee Anderson told the Chad: “Prince Phillip has remained a constant in all our lives. No one can doubt his commitment to our country over the years. Our incredible Queen has lost a husband and my thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time.”

Ben Bradley said on his Facebook page: “A lifetime of honour and service to our country. Prince Philip has served loyally alongside his wife and our Queen for decades and he deserves every tribute. May he rest in peace. My thoughts today are Her Majesty the Queen and her family.”

He told the Chad that out of respect, his team will be suspending its political and campaign activities.

He said: “Prince Philip has given our nation a lifetime of service. A veteran of World War II, a campaigner for countless worthy causes, a rock and confidante to his wife and our Queen.

"He was known for his sense of humour and his energy, as he worked for and represented our country right up to his final days. My thoughts are with Her Majesty and her family on a very difficult day.”

Mansfield District Council has posted “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen, the The Royal Family and everyone who knew His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at this incredibly sad time.”

Reverend Paul Bentley of the Mansfield Branch of The Royal British Legion said:”I met when he came aboard the HMS Ark Royal to celebrate his birthday about 20 years and we entertained him in the chief’s mess. He was good fun and made a huge impression on people. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty.”

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Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said:

"I am very saddened to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Philip and our thoughts and prayers are with HM the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time. HRH has been an active supporter of Nottinghamshire during his many years of dedicated service and his presence within the county will be greatly missed. I remember the man – the sense of humour, the sharp insights and more importantly, the work he has done for young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. His contribution has been immense and it needs to be recognised by everyone. Over the next few days I will making plans to give people in Nottinghamshire the opportunity to pay tribute in the most appropriate and safest way but in a way that is fitting for a man that gave so much to this country."

Kay Cutts MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh was a loving and devoted husband to Her Majesty. Prince Philip helped lead the Royal Family and supported the monarchy over many decades, always demonstrating great fortitude, loyalty and, above all, a commitment to the United Kingdom. In Nottinghamshire, we will remember Prince Philip for founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has inspired and benefited many thousands of young people in our county. I was invited to St James’ Palace, where I met the Duke, and I was impressed that he took the time to speak with every single award winner. We should all look back with

Responding to the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, today, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

“On behalf of all councils across England and Wales, I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the whole of the Royal Family.

“Councils will be putting into place local arrangements to support the public in expressing their own sympathies, such as opening books of condolence, flags being flown at half-mast and the laying of flowers in public areas.”