The Latest: Australia mourns Prince Philip

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This article was published 09/04/2021 (1977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Reaction from around the world on the death of Prince Philip at age 99:

SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered his country’s “deepest sympathies and condolences” to Queen Elizabeth II on the passing of Prince Philip.

“While your strength and stay, your Majesty, may now have passed, Jenny and I pray that you will find great comfort in your faith, in your family, at this time,” he said. “But we also, your Majesty, say to you as a Commonwealth, let us also now be your strength and stay as you continue to endure, as you continue to serve so loyally and so faithfully, as you have done over so many generations.”

He added: “She has been there for us over such a long time, let us be there now for you, your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I’m sure, one of your most sad of days.”

In Canberra, the national flag was lowered to half-mast over Parliament House.

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PRINCE PHILIP DIES AT 99

Prince Philip, the irascible and tough-minded husband of Queen Elizabeth II who spent more than seven decades supporting his wife in a role that mostly defined his life, has died, Buckingham Palace said Friday.

More coverage:

— Coronavirus means more low-key farewell for Prince Philip

— Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies at 99

— UK mourns Prince Philip; leaders honour his public service

— 2-minute silence across sports to mark Prince Philip’s death

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MANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his deep condolences to Queen Elizabeth II for the death of Prince Philip in a public message where his government cited its strong ties with the United Kingdom.

“We pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for The Royal Family to find strength in this time of mourning,” Duterte said in message issued by his spokesman, Harry Roque.

“The Philippines and the United Kingdom have strong bilateral ties and we share the grief of the British people in this period of bereavement,” Duterte’s message said.

Duterte has repeatedly lashed at European countries in the past for raising alarm over his deadly crackdown against illegal drugs which has left thousands of mostly petty suspects dead. The UK was one of 18 countries that approved a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution in 2019 which called for an inquiry into human rights conditions in the Philippines amid Duterte’s bloody crackdown, sparking condemnations from his administration.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the world has lost a “towering figure” with the passing of Prince Philip.

In a tribute post on his Facebook, Muhyiddin said the prince had visited Malaysia several times and was always a “friend of our country.”

The Duke of Edinburg International award introduced in 2000 that had recognized thousands of Malaysian youths for their achievements in community, sports and adventure activities was among the prince’s many contributions, Muhyiddin said.

“The Duke of Edinburg will be sadly missed; his passing marks the end of a life spent in selfless service to the greater good,” the premier said.

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UNITED NATIONS — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Prince Philip “for his active work for the betterment of humankind,” his spokesman said.

The U.N. chief cited his support for the work of his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, for over 60 years “and his dedication to charitable causes as a patron of some 800 organizations, in particular those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The secretary-general “is saddened” at the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing and “extends condolences to Her Royal Highness, the Queen, and to the people of the United Kingdom,” Dujarric said.

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ATHENS, Greece — The former King of Greece says Prince Philip, his relative, was “a remarkable man who dedicated his entire life to duty and service for his country and the Commonwealth.”

Constantine II added in a written statement to The Associated Press: “My sorrow is even deeper because of our close family ties. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

“He was a man of great character who will be remembered for his forward-thinking, sharp wit and his constant encouraging support to HM Queen Elizabeth II,”

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LONDON — Ireland’s president has expressed his “great sadness” at the death of Prince Philip and recalled the “historic” state visit Philip and Queen Elizabeth II made to the country in 2011.

President Michael D. Higgins, whose position is largely ceremonial, says for more than 60 years Philip “served the British people with an unfailing commitment and devotion to duty.”

Philip was by the Queen’s side in 2011 when she became the first reigning British monarch to visit Ireland since its independence a century ago.

Higgins also recalled “with a special appreciation how welcome” Philip made him feel three years later when he became the first Irish head of state to visit Britain.

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ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s prime minister says Prince Philip’s contribution to public life and to the charities he served, as well as his work with young people, will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of the people of Greece, I’ d like to extend our deepest condolences to her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement.

He added the Greek-born prince “gave dedicated service to the Crown, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over many decades.”

Philip was born in Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921, the only son and fifth child of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg.

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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s President Zuzana Caputova has offered her condolences to Queen Elizabeth II on the death of Prince Philip.

“Prince Philip will be remembered as a man of commitment and public service,” Caputova said. “His Duke of Edinburgh Awards inspired millions of young people, including many young Slovaks, to great achievements.”

In neighbouring Czech Republic, President Milos Zeman said in a letter to Queen Elizabeth II that Prince Philip “represented Britain in the best sense of the word.”

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ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s prime minister and the president expressed their condolences on the death of Prince Philip.

Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter, saying with Philip’s death, “Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service.”

Khan says the role of Philip in promoting Pakistan-Britain relations always will be remembered.

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi says Pakistan has lost a sincere friend. Philip and Queen Elizabeth II visited Pakistan in 1961 and 1997 were given a warm welcome in the Islamic country.

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RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority president has extended his condolences to Queen Elizabeth II and the British prime minister on the death of Prince Philip.

President Mahmoud Abbas expresses his “utmost sadness” to the Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, according to the official Palestinian news agency.

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WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Prince Philip for his extraordinary partnership with Queen Elizabeth II during more than a half century on the world stage, through world wars and economic crises.

Obama says in a statement: “Through it all, he helped provide steady leadership and guiding wisdom. It has long been said that the United States and Great Britain have a special relationship — one that has been maintained and strengthened not just by presidents and prime ministers but by the Royal Family that has outlasted them all.”

Obama says the Queen and Philip had welcomed “leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev” and recalled his nervousness ahead of a visit with first lady Michelle Obama to Buckingham Palace in 2011.

“As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable.”

He adds: “Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.”

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WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump is calling Prince Philip’s death “an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization.”

Trump is joining other current and former world leaders in commemorating the life of a man whom he says in a statement, “embodied the noble soul and proud spirit of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

Trump says Philip “defined British dignity and grace,” and “personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude, and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom.” He says he and his wife, former first lady Melania Trump, saw during their visits to the U.K. in recent years “how the Monarchy epitomizes and carries on the virtues of the British People — and no one did so more than Prince Philip.”

They are sending their “deepest and most profound condolences” to the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.

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WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered their condolences on the death of Prince Philip.

The statement from the Clintons extended their sympathies to Queen Elizabeth II, her family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“Hillary and I mourn the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, and we join people from all around the world in giving thanks for his remarkable life of service.

“We enjoyed every opportunity we had to visit with him through the years and will always be deeply grateful for the kindness he showed us.”

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LONDON — The team behind Netflix’s hugely popular royal drama The Crown say they are “deeply saddened” to hear of the death of Prince Philip.

In a joint statement, Netflix, Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television and the production team on The Crown say their thoughts are with the royal family “at this sad time.”

Philip had a long association with film and television. In 1959, he became the first president of the forerunner of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. In a statement, BAFTA said Philip “occupies a special place in the Academy’s history and will be missed enormously.”

In The Crown, Philip was played by Matt Smith in the first two series of the series, opposite Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II. In the ensuing two series, Philip was played by Tobias Menzies opposite Olivia Colman as the queen.

Jonathan Pryce will take over the role for the final two series of The Crown, opposite Imelda Staunton. Filming of the fifth series is due to begin later this year.

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ROME — Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his condolences and those of the nation to Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family.

He recalled Philips admiration for Italy’s artistic and cultural treasures and noted the prince had “always demonstrated sincere friendship toward the Italian people.”

Mattarella says: “The memory is alive in multitudes of people around the world of a figure who for over 70 years offered with exemplary dedication his service to the crown and the United Kingdom, accompanying the evolution of his country with an open an innovative spirit.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined other world leaders in mourning Prince Philip.

The president says he received the news of the death with great sorrow and a deep sense of loss.

“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,” Kenyatta says.

Queen Elizabeth II learned of her father’s death, King George VI, in February 1952 while vacationing at the Sagana Lodge in central Kenya. Philip broke the news to her.

Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, following political and sometimes violent agitation for statehood.

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PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his sympathies to Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family.

He offered his “sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Royal Family and the British people upon the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, who lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to the youth and the environment.”

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MADRID — The Spanish royal family expressed their “deep sorrow” at the death of “our dear uncle Philip.”

Members of the two royal households are related as descendants of Britain’s Queen Victoria.

The Spanish royals says they would never forget the moments shared with the Duke of Edinburgh “nor his legacy of service and dedication to the Crown and the United Kingdom,” according to Spanish news agency Europa Press.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, on an official visit to Senegal, also sent his condolences on behalf of the government.

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WARSAW — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda says he received the news of Prince Philip’s death with “great sadness and regret.”

Duda stressed that Prince Phillip was a “strong support” to Queen Elizabeth II as well as the people of the United Kingdom. His death is a “irretrievable loss for the United Kingdom, for the Commonwealth and for the entire international community.”

Duda noted people in Poland “still keep fond memories from the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Warsaw in 1996.”

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WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden say they are keeping Queen Elizabeth II and her family in their hearts following the death of Prince Philip.

In offering condolences on behalf of the United States, the Bidens say in a statement the impact of the prince’s decades of public service is evident in the causes he advocated. The Bidens cited Philip’s involvement with environmental causes, the military and young people.

They add Philip’s legacy will live on not only through his family, his children and grandchildren, but in all the charitable endeavours he helped shaped.

A spokesperson for Jill Biden, who was travelling for appearances in Alabama, says the U.S. first lady had met Queen Elizabeth II and knows Prince Harry.

“She has a close relationship with Harry, and her heart is with him and the family today,” says spokesperson Michael LaRosa.

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LONDON — The British government says all official flags, including the Union Flag, will fly at half-staff across all U.K. government buildings until 8 a.m. the morning after the funeral of Prince Philip.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport issued the flag-flying arrangements.

It advised any non-official flags, such as the Armed Forces flag, should be taken down and replaced with a Union Flag flying at half-staff. The national flags of the U.K.’s four constituent nations — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — can be flown.

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VALLETTA, Malta — The prime minister and president of Malta, a British Commonwealth country, expressed their sorrow at the death of Prince Philip, who was stationed in Malta early in his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Philip who handed over the formal independence documents to Malta’s prime minister in September 1964, ending 165 years of British rule.

Prime Minister Robert Abela recalled the prince had “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.”

President George Vella conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty.” He included in his tweet a photograph of the Queen and Philip during a 2015 state visit to Malta.

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MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a condolences telegram to Queen Elizabeth II that Prince Philip was respected at home and around the world.

“Many important events in the modern history of your country are associated with the name of His Royal Highness,” the message said, according to the Kremlin. “He rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and international authorities.”

The Russian Embassy in London also posted a condolences message, noting Philip was the great-great-grandson of Russian Czar Nicholas I.

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HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent his condolences to the British royal family over the death of Prince Philip in a tweet.

“My deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the @RoyalFamily on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

In Tanzania, the new President Samia Suluhu Hassan says, “I convey my heartfelt condolences. We stand with you during this difficult time of loss and mourning.”

In Somalia, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed says, “He led an extraordinary life of service and had a huge impact on British society.”

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NEW DELHI — India’s prime minister offered condolences on the death of Prince Philip.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet: “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.”