World leaders mourn Prince Philip death

A woman adds a bunch of flowers to the tributes laid at the railings at the front of Buckingham Palace in central London on April 9, 2021 after the annoucement of the death of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. – Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip, who recently spent more than a month in hospital and underwent a heart procedure, died on April 9, 2021, Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP)

 

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Current and former world leaders joined a chorus of condolences from around the world following the death of Prince Philip on Friday at the age of 99.

Here are some reactions to his passing:

An advertising billboard displays a picture in honour of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at a service station in Swansea, South Wales, on April 9, 2021 after the announcement of the Duke’s death. – Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip, who recently spent more than a month in hospital and underwent a heart procedure, died on April 9, 2021, Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP)

– Britain –
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Philip’s “extraordinary life and work”, sending his condolences to Queen Elizabeth after he husband’s death was announced.

Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh “earned the affection of generations” at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world.

“We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” he added.

Former prime minister Tony Blair hailed Philip’s public service, calling him “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,” he said, hailing his environmental work.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 14, 2003 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (R) wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, during a flypast for the trooping of the colour. – Queen Elizabeth II’s 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who was recently hospitalised and underwent a successful heart procedure, died on April 9, 2021, Buckingham Palace announced. (Photo by GEOFF GARRATT / POOL / AFP)

– Ireland –
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was “saddened” by Philip’s death, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”

– Australia –
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in his country after the passing of Philip, who he said “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.

“The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia,” said the leader of the Commonwealth nation.

– India –
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Philip’s military career and community work, saying his “thoughts are with the British people and the Royal family”.

“He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace,” the leader of the Commonwealth country tweeted.

– Germany –
Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called Philip a loyal servant to the United Kingdom who “lived a long life of service to his country”.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Royal family, the people of the Commonwealth, and all who loved him dearly,” Maas tweeted.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 18, 2007 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (Centre Foreground) and Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Right Foreground) are joined at Clarence House in London by Prince Charles, (Left Foreground) Prince Edward, (Right Background) Princess Anne (Centre Background) and Prince Andrew (Left Background) on the occasion of a dinner hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to mark the forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary of The Queen and The Duke, 18 November 2007. – Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip, who recently spent more than a month in hospital and underwent a heart procedure, died on April 9, 2021, Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99. (Photo by TIM GRAHAM / POOL / AFP) / MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / TIM GRAHAM”


– European Union –

EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter she was “saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip”.

“I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day.”

– Israel –
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his “deepest condolences” the the Royal family.

“Prince Phillip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world,” he wrote.

– Malta –
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela said he was “truly saddened by the loss of Prince Philip, who made Malta his home and returned here so often”.

“Our people will always treasure his memory. Our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the @RoyalFamily,” he said on Twitter.

– Sweden –
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Philip’s death, calling him “a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued”.

“His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all,” he said in a statement.

– US –
Former US president George W. Bush said Philip had represented his country “with dignity”, honouring his “remarkable life”.

“He devoted himself to worthy causes and to others,” Bush said in a statement.

“He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign.”

– UNESCO –
The head of UNESCO tweeted her “sincere condolences” to the royal family and the United Kingdom after Philip’s death.

“His Royal Highness Philip was a pillar of English modern history and a strong advocate of Planet action through the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award. He will be missed,” Audrey Azoulay said on Twitter.


© Agence France-Presse