Cambridgeshire Mourns Death Of His Royal Highness The Duke Of Edinburgh

Flags are flying at half-mast across the county as Cambridgeshire mourns the sad death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire paid tribute saying, "I would like to convey to Her Majesty The Queen, the deep sympathy felt by the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on hearing the sad news of the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh.

"While the whole country mourns, this can be as nothing to the feelings of The Queen who has lost not just her husband of 73 years, but also her most steadfast support throughout the whole of her reign, as the longest serving British Consort.  And of course, to his family who have lost a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

"We will remember him with love and affection for the frequent visits he has made to this county, which included the period he served as Chancellor of Cambridge University. We also reflect on how he was a man ahead of his time, in particular for his interest in, and promotion of, the natural world - particularly through his work as President of the World Wildlife Fund.  This is a passion he has handed down to his children and grandchildren - most notably HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of Cambridge - where his legacy will undoubtedly continue.

"We will also remember him for the contribution he has made to so many people’s lives through initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This scheme has given so much to so many generations of young people bequeathing to them his own love of outdoor activity, adventure, and service to others - setting many on their path for life.

The Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council Cllr Mac McGuire will today send a letter of condolence to Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of the people of Cambridgeshire.

He said: “It is with deep regret that we received the news of the death of His Royal Highness. It is difficult for me to convey the depth of our sympathy and feelings of loss at this time – which is compounded for so many by the loss of their own family members and close friends.

“The people of Cambridgeshire have a very deep affection for the whole of the Royal Family who have visited the county often and with obvious pleasure, and of course we have particularly strong ties with His Royal Highness’s grandson and his wife on whom Her Majesty The Queen bestowed the honour of being the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“Like the rest of the country we will mourn his passing but also remember with affection the unswerving dedication he brought to his role of supporting HM The Queen throughout her reign. Our thoughts are with her and her whole family today, mourning not just the loss of a much loved national figure, but the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“I would invite all people in the County who would like to, to contribute their thoughts in the online book of condolence that has been set up on our website and which will remain open until 6pm on Saturday, April 17th. People can also send their condolences by post to any county, district or city council office marked ‘condolence book’ for us to include, or place in a marked box which will be set up in all Cambridgeshire libraries which are open to the public from Monday.”

Instead of marking the death of His Royal Highness by laying flowers in public places, the Palace has suggested people who wish to could make a donation to a charity connected to His Royal Highness, such as The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Cambridgeshire Chief Constable Nick Dean paid tribute, saying, "It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness was a naval war hero who bravely served this country through the military and then for more than 70 years as the husband of our monarch, Queen Elizabeth.

"Prince Philip was an example of how to conduct your life in service of the public and showed huge dedication to both Queen and country. His contribution to this country will never be forgotten.

"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen at this time and also Prince Philip’s family and friends."