Prince Philip dead: Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and world leaders pay tribute to Duke of Edinburgh

Boris Johnson today led the UK’s political leaders in paying tribute to Prince Philip as the Prime Minister said the country ‘gives thanks’ for his ‘extraordinary life and work’. 

Mr Johnson said ‘our nation’s thoughts must turn’ to the Queen and her family after Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh’s death at the age of 99. 

Addressing the nation outside Number 10, the PM said the royal family ‘have lost not just a much loved and highly respected public figure but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and in recent years, great grandfather’. 

Downing Street responded to the announcement by the palace by immediately lowering its flags to half-mast.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said Britain had ‘lost an extraordinary public servant’. 

Sir Keir said the Duke of Edinburgh had ‘dedicated his life to our country’ and ‘he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen’. 

Former prime ministers Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May were among the senior figures to pay tribute to the Duke. 

The death of Prince Philip prompted political parties to suspend campaigning ahead of elections in May.   

Downing Street said the Cabinet will meet at 5pm to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh while Parliament will be recalled from its Easter recess on Monday, a day earlier than its scheduled return, for further tributes.  

Speaking on the steps of Downing Street, Mr Johnson said the Duke had ‘earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world’.

The PM said Prince Philip had ‘helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life’.

He concluded: ‘It is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.

‘Because they have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great-grandfather.

‘Speaking on their golden wedding anniversary, Her Majesty said that our country owed her husband ‘a greater debt than he would ever claim or we shall ever know’ and I am sure that estimate is correct.

‘So we mourn today with Her Majesty The Queen we offer our condolences to her and to all her family and we give thanks, as a nation and a Kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘For your humour and positivity, your years of military service, for all the young people you inspired and for the dedication to your duty, the whole nation thanks you.’ 

Sir Keir said in a statement: ‘The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.

‘Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.

‘However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.

‘For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed – most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.

‘My thoughts are with The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.’ 

Tony Blair, the former prime minister, said in a statement 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,’ Mr Blair said. 

‘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.

‘My condolences and prayers and those of my family are with Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family.’

Fellow former prime minister, Sir John Major, said: ‘It is impossible to exaggerate the role that the Duke of Edinburgh has played in his lifetime of service to the monarchy and to the United Kingdom.

‘A distinguished naval officer, he was – for over 70 years – the ballast to our Ship of State. Modest to the core, and hating any kind of fuss or bother, he epitomised the British spirit and remained true to himself right up to the very end.

‘The outpouring of affection and sadness that will follow his loss would both surprise and embarrass him, but it will be real and heartfelt.

‘Our hearts go out to Her Majesty The Queen – and all members of the Royal Family – who have lost a much beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.’ 

Former prime minister Theresa May tweeted: ‘All my thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the whole Royal Family today on the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.

‘The nation and the entire Commonwealth owe Prince Philip an extraordinary debt of gratitude for a distinguished life of service to the Queen, our country and so many around the world.’  

David Cameron said that Prince Philip had ‘showed true dedication to our country, with unstinting service stretching back to his courageous naval duty in the Second World War’. 

‘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,’ Mr Cameron said. 

‘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.

‘Our hearts go out to Her Majesty The Queen and all members of the Royal Family today. The country has lost an extraordinary public servant; and the Royal Family have lost a dedicated and loyal father, grandfather, great grandfather – and a devoted husband.

‘My sincere and heartfelt condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen at this time of great sadness.’ 

Gordon Brown said that Prince Philip ‘will be mourned in every continent’, adding: ‘My condolences go to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family who will be in everybody’s thoughts at this time of grief.

‘Like the whole of our country, I am grateful not just for the public service he gave but for his dedication of his life to our country.’

 Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: ‘Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. We will always be grateful for his amazing service, not least the powerful legacy he leaves to millions of young people who have taken part in his unique Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

‘His quiet and steadfast counsel and support of The Queen, is perhaps his greatest if unquantifiable contribution to our nation’s history.

‘At this sad time for millions, we should never forget Prince Philip was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. So our thoughts must be with the whole Royal Family, but in particular with The Queen at this difficult time.’

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘This is obviously a very sad day for Her Majesty, the Royal Family and the whole country. 

‘The Duke of Edinburgh has given his unwavering support to The Queen, both as a husband and as a consort. Described by Her Majesty as ‘my constant strength’, he served this country too, first with distinction during the Second World War and selflessly throughout eight decades during peacetime.

‘Prince Philip has performed wide-ranging official roles, carrying out thousands of engagements and overseas visits on behalf of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He will be remembered for his loyal devotion to service and his leadership of hundreds of ideals and causes close to his heart. 

‘Most notably, of course, is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which helps millions of young people around the world to achieve their full potential as team members and future leaders in their chosen fields.

‘His was a long life that saw so much dedication to duty. Today we must pause to honour him and to offer our sincerest thanks for the Prince’s devout faithfulness to our country – and all the nations shall miss him greatly.’

Arlene Foster, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, said: ‘It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. 

‘It is a sadness that I know will be shared by countless others in Northern Ireland and right across the world.’ 

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, offered his condolences to the Queen and Royal Family on behalf of the Welsh Government.

He said in a statement: ‘It is with sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.

‘We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, his children and their families on this sad occasion.

‘He will be missed by the many organisations that he supported as Patron or President over many decades of service.’

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, tweeted: ‘I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences – and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland – to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.’ 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘Today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary man, who devoted his life to public service and helping others. I extend my deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and the entire Royal Family at this sad time.’ 

World leaders also paid tribute to Prince Philip, with Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, stating he ’embodied a generation that we will never see again’.

Mr Morrison said in a statement: ‘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.

‘Further details about Australia’s remembrance of Prince Philip will be announced over coming days. Flags will be lowered in honour of His Royal Highness.’ 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: ‘My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

‘He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.’ 

Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin posted on Twitter: ‘Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.’  

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, described the Duke of Edinburgh as a ‘man of great purpose and conviction’.

He said on Twitter: ‘It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today.

‘A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world.

‘Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

‘The thoughts of all Canadians are with her and the entire Royal Family as they mourn this significant loss.’ 

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted: ‘The US Congress extends condolences over the passing of Prince Philip, whose life was distinguished by an inspiring ethic of dedicated service.

‘May it be a comfort to Her Majesty & the Royal family that so many mourn with & pray for them at this sad time.’ 

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, tweeted: ‘I am 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.’  

Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, tweeted: ‘On behalf of the government I have sent my condolences to prime minister @BorisJohnson on hearing the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

‘Our thoughts and sympathy are with Britain’s Royal Family and the British people at this time of mourning.’

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz tweeted: ‘I extend my sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the @RoyalFamily and the people of the United Kingdom after the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.’

Prince 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.

Buckingham 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. Further announcements will made in due course.

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