NUMEROUS tributes have been paid to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Duke, who was the longest-serving consort in British history, had returned to Windsor Castle on March 16 after a month in hospital.
His funeral, a family affair, takes place today (Saturday, April 17_ at Windsor Castle.
Founder of Tindle Newspapers, Sir Ray Tindle, said: ‘Tindle Newspapers and our whole staff are very sad to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh who did so much for Her Majesty the Queen and the country.
‘We send our sincere condolences to the Queen and her family and hope she will continue on the throne even though she has lost her beloved husband of many years.’
Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris said: ‘I was terribly sad to hear about the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
‘He was an exemplary example of a lifetime of public service and devotion to the country. My thoughts are with HM The Queen and the rest of family.’
Speaking in the House of Commons this week, Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: ‘Above all our thoughts must be with Her Majesty the Queen and her family.
Over 70 years of marriage. The longest serving British royal consort in our history. A long life as a supportive husband to Queen Elizabeth now leaves what must be a terribly painful void. Our thoughts are with The Queen and all of her family. And the thoughts of my family are with her too. May the Duke of Edinburgh rest in peace.’
Teignbridge District Council chairman, Cllr John Petherick, said: ‘We are very saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.
‘The Duke has served our country for almost 70 years, and has a special place in the hearts of the district and the nation, and a close affinity with Devon, through his links with the naval college and his support for programmes like Ten Tors.
‘Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time, and our thoughts are with them and all those suffering this loss.
‘We have lowered our flag on the Forde House office to half mast as a mark of respect.
‘There is a remembrance page on our website’
Newton Abbot mayor, Cllr Richard Jenks, said: ‘The Prince will be remembered fondly for his unstinting sense of duty. Duty to his country, duty to his Queen, duty his wife and duty to his family.
‘Britain has been a better place for his presence and we thank him for that.
‘Our thoughts now are with all those who feel the loss that comes with his departure, most especially those who knew best and loved him most.
‘May Prince Phillip rest in peace and I trust that our town and country will move forward from this sad time with a dignity that is the hallmark of the United Kingdom at its best.’
The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, said: ‘It is with very great sadness that we have heard of the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
‘It was in Devon as a young naval officer, training at Britannia Royal Naval College, that Prince Philip met and later married Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Not surprisingly therefore the county has been important to them both throughout their lives and since and they have visited us here many times.
‘Prince Philip held many senior ranks and positions in his long life which included being the Lord High Steward of Plymouth, a post that he held from March 1960.
‘He was also awarded an honorary degree from the University of Plymouth in 2012.
‘Plymouth and nearby Bickleigh and Lympstone near Exeter, were regular destinations for him in the county until he retired from public duties in 2017.
‘This is because His Royal Highness was the Captain General of the Royal Marines, a post he held for 64 years and in which capacity he visited many times, both publicly and in private.
‘The Duke was also Colonel-in-Chief of successive Regiments that have made up The Rifles since 1953.
“Prince Philip was also the Patron and President of many of our county charities and they will all be very sad to hear of the news of his death.
‘He had a particular interest in conservation of the environment, in scientific and technological research and in the encouragement of sport.
‘He is perhaps best known however for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which he founded 64 years ago and which has become the world’s leading youth achievement award and is now in 140 countries around the world.
‘He was a great man who contributed hugely to our country and our county; a constant and loyal support to Her Majesty and he did all this while demonstrating a genuine interest in people and with a wonderful sense of humour which was so often on display.
‘We give thanks for a wonderful life. May he rest in peace.’
The chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: ‘It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
‘On behalf of the people of the County of Devon, I convey that sadness and send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.
‘Prince Philip visited Devon on many occasions, and we especially remember the visit with Her Majesty the Queen as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour.
‘The Duke was much loved in Devon and admired across the country and the wider Commonwealth in the course of his public duties. His contribution and dedication in the service of the country, and his unwavering support to Her Majesty was, and will continue to be, an example to us all.’
Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: ‘Devon and Cornwall Police are saddened to learn of the death of HRH Prince Philip.
‘I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Prince Philip.
‘I also wish to express our condolences with members of the public at this time of national mourning.
‘We will be flying our flag at half-mast as a mark of respect across various stations in Devon, Cornwall and Plymouth.
‘Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to visit local authority websites for further information.’
Dawlish Town Council said: ‘It is with great sadness that Dawlish Town Council learned of the passing of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.
The mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Alison Foden, expressed her sadness on the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, conveying condolences to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of the Parish of Dawlish.
Those wishing to lay floral tributes may do so at the foot of the Monterey Pine in the middle of the turning circle, at the Manor House. Those doing so should place their flowers with as little plastic as possible, and leave promptly so as to prevent gatherings from forming.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an online book of condolence has been published at The British Monarchy (royal.uk) in addition to further information.
Cllr Foden added: ‘On behalf of the town council and the Parish of Dawlish we send our heartfelt condolences to the Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family at this sad time.
‘I had the pleasure of meeting His Royal Highness in 1990 when receiving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award at St James’s Palace in London.
‘The Duke’s support and encouragement for young people through the creation of the awards scheme has been an inspiration for so many.’
Bovey Tracey Town Council said: ‘It is with great sadness we learned of the passing of His Royal Highness, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
‘The mayor of Bovey Tracey, Cllr Sheila Brooke, expressed her sadness on his passing, conveying condolences to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of the parish of Bovey Tracey.’
A book of condolence has been placed in the church of St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas for parishioners to sign.
The mayor of Teignmouth, Councillor Peter William said: ‘Teignmouth Town Council was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.
’Since the inception in 1956 of his Youth Award Scheme, and within which I had the privilege of participating myself albeit some years ago now, His Royal Highness was committed to empowering young people with confidence, skills and tenacity enabling them to become resilient in the world and on their path to adulthood and careers.
’The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme has become so successful that it has since been expanded to over 140 countries. What an amazing achievement from The Duke himself but also, the youth that he has encouraged and the legacy now left for others to continue.
’On behalf of Teignmouth Town Council and our community, I express my condolences to Her Majesty The Question and the Royal Family.’
If you have happy memories of meeting the Duke or any pictures of your meeting, please let us know.
Send your memories or pictures to [email protected]