World leaders have expressed their sympathies following the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh who passed away on Friday at Windsor Castle in the U.K.
Philip was 99-years-old and had been married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years. He had recently stayed in hospital for a protracted period but was able to return home.
Tributes poured in from political leaders throughout the world following the official announcement of the prince's death by Buckingham Palace. Presidents and prime ministers sent their condolences.
"For nearly 80 years, Prince Philip served his Crown, his country and the Commonwealth," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement.
"Prince Philip was no stranger to Australia, having visited our country on more than 20 occasions. Through his service to the Commonwealth he presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia," he said.
"Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family. The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia," Morrison went on.
Statement on His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/6kq6Lg7cLp
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 9, 2021
"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement
"Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award. In over fifty years of the award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme," she said.
"My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace."
"Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," said Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time."
"Truly saddened by the loss of Prince Philip, who made Malta his home and returned here so often," said Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta. "Our people will always treasure his memory. Our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the @RoyalFamily."
"My deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," tweeted Latvian Prime Minister Egils Levits.
"My most sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, to @RoyalFamilyand to the peoples of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, who lost an extraordinary servant today," said Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.
"The death of the Duke of Edinburgh comes with great sorrow to Georgia. We stand in solidarity today," she said.
9/4/2021 8.25 am E.T.: This article has been updated to include comment from the prime minister of New Zealand.
About the writer
Darragh Roche is a U.S. News Reporter based in Limerick, Ireland. His focus is reporting on U.S. politics. He has ... Read more
