By Collins Matubwi and BBC News
United Kingdom
The husband to Queen Elizabeth (II) is dead aged 99, the Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who was the longest-serving consort in British history, had returned to Windsor on 16 March after a month in hospital.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said
Boris Johnson said he “inspired the lives of countless young people”.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband,” the palace said.
“His Royal Highness Prince Philip has been a towering symbol of family values and the unity of the British people as well as the entire global community. Certainly, we mourn a great man who cherished and worked for peaceful co-existence of the human race,” President Kenyatta said.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Speaking at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said that the duke had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world”.
The flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates following the announcement of the duke’s death.
Bunches of daffodils, tulips, roses and lilies were among floral tributes placed by people outside the palace, while crowds began to gather at Windsor Castle.
“He leaves an incredible legacy, having supported so many British charities, institutions and good causes, not least pioneering his very own Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which millions of young people have participated in and benefited from all over the world since 1956,” Former British Prime Minster David Cameron said
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta joined other world leaders in mourning Prince Philip.
In his message of condolence and comfort to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the British people, President Kenyatta said the Duke of Edinburgh has been a global unifying factor.
“His Royal Highness Prince Philip has been a towering symbol of family values and the unity of the British people as well as the entire global community. Certainly, we mourn a great man who cherished and worked for peaceful co-existence of the human race,” President Kenyatta said.
The President said he received the news of the death of Prince Philip with great sorrow and a deep sense of loss saying the People and the Government of the Republic of Kenya stands in solidarity with the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the world in mourning the departed monarch.
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron said that Prince Philip showed a true dedication to our country, with unstinting service stretching back to his courageous naval duty in the Second World War.
He has been a huge part of our national life since long before most of us were born.
It was an honour and privilege as Prime Minister to see up close what a powerful advocate the Duke was for the causes he believed in.
He leaves an incredible legacy, having supported so many British charities, institutions and good causes, not least pioneering his very own Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which millions of young people have participated in and benefited from all over the world since 1956.
“He was often way ahead of his time in protection of the environment, in reconciliation between religious faiths and of course in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which remains one of the most innovative and effective programmes for the betterment of young people anywhere in the world,” Former British Prime Minster Tony Blair said
Tony Blair, former Britain Premier said that the whole nation will be united in sadness at the passing of Prince Philip. He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years. However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage.
” He was often way ahead of his time in protection of the environment, in reconciliation between religious faiths and of course in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which remains one of the most innovative and effective programmes for the betterment of young people anywhere in the world,” he said
My condolences and prayers and those of my family are with Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family.
Philip’s life was dramatic from the outset. The nephew of Greece’s King Constantine I, the Prince of Greece and Denmark was born in 1921 on the dining room table of a villa on the Greek island of Corfu.
He was forced into exile just 18 months later, when the Greek monarchy was overthrown by a military revolt. His family’s experience shaped Philip’s later desire to modernize the British royal family, in the hope that they would seem more relevant to the Queen’s subjects.
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