• The Honourable Artillery Company fires a gun salute at the Tower of London, with Tower Bridge in the background, to mark the death of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99. Getty Images
    The Honourable Artillery Company fires a gun salute at the Tower of London, with Tower Bridge in the background, to mark the death of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99. Getty Images
  • The Death Gun Salute is fired by the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the death of Prince Philip, at Cardiff Castle in Wales. AFP
    The Death Gun Salute is fired by the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the death of Prince Philip, at Cardiff Castle in Wales. AFP
  • Britain's Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrive at Windsor Castle, England. AP Photo
    Britain's Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrive at Windsor Castle, England. AP Photo
  • Members of the Household Cavalry ride past Buckingham Palace, London. Reuters
    Members of the Household Cavalry ride past Buckingham Palace, London. Reuters
  • Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery arrive at the Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks, London. AFP
    Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery arrive at the Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks, London. AFP
  • Members of the Honourable Artillery Company in advance of a gun salute to mark the death of Prince Philip, at the Tower of London. AFP
    Members of the Honourable Artillery Company in advance of a gun salute to mark the death of Prince Philip, at the Tower of London. AFP
  • A well-wisher waits in line to lay a floral tribute to Britain's Prince Philip, outside Buckingham Palace, London. AFP
    A well-wisher waits in line to lay a floral tribute to Britain's Prince Philip, outside Buckingham Palace, London. AFP
  • A cyclist rides past a digital display commemorating Prince Philip, in Glasgow, Scotland. Getty Images
    A cyclist rides past a digital display commemorating Prince Philip, in Glasgow, Scotland. Getty Images
  • Rugby players observe a minute's silence in tribute to Prince Philip before the European Challenge Cup Quarter Final match between Bath Rugby and London Irish, in Bath, England. Reuters
    Rugby players observe a minute's silence in tribute to Prince Philip before the European Challenge Cup Quarter Final match between Bath Rugby and London Irish, in Bath, England. Reuters
  • Copies of the 'Courier Mail' at a news stand in Brisbane, Australia, with news of Prince Philip's death. Getty Images
    Copies of the 'Courier Mail' at a news stand in Brisbane, Australia, with news of Prince Philip's death. Getty Images
  • Flags on Sydney Harbour Bridge fly at half-mast, in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
    Flags on Sydney Harbour Bridge fly at half-mast, in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
  • Flags at half-mast outside the Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, in Cardiff, Wales. Getty Images
    Flags at half-mast outside the Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, in Cardiff, Wales. Getty Images
  • Members of media near a community gate at the home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex in Montecito, California, US, after the announcement of the death of Britain's Prince Philip. AP Photo
    Members of media near a community gate at the home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex in Montecito, California, US, after the announcement of the death of Britain's Prince Philip. AP Photo
  • Actor Sir Ian McKellen looks at floral tributes outside Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
    Actor Sir Ian McKellen looks at floral tributes outside Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
  • The big screen inside the stadium displays a commemorative message on the death of Prince Philip, at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, in Manchester, England. Getty Images
    The big screen inside the stadium displays a commemorative message on the death of Prince Philip, at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, in Manchester, England. Getty Images
  • The British Columbia Legislature flies the Canadian flag at half-mast in Victoria, as piper Ken Wilson plays the 'Heights of Dargai'. AP Photo
    The British Columbia Legislature flies the Canadian flag at half-mast in Victoria, as piper Ken Wilson plays the 'Heights of Dargai'. AP Photo
  • Floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace in London. Getty Images
    Floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace in London. Getty Images
  • Floral tributes outside Windsor Castle. Getty Images
    Floral tributes outside Windsor Castle. Getty Images
  • A mourner draped in a British Union Jack flag takes pictures of flowers placed outside Windsor Castle. Reuters
    A mourner draped in a British Union Jack flag takes pictures of flowers placed outside Windsor Castle. Reuters
  • Miniature Schnauzer dog Lady Trixie of Linfield sits in front of tributes to Prince Philip at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, during the midday 41 gun salute. Getty Images
    Miniature Schnauzer dog Lady Trixie of Linfield sits in front of tributes to Prince Philip at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, during the midday 41 gun salute. Getty Images
  • Naomi Armstrong and her daughters Lily and Essie leave a bunch of flowers at the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, in tribute to Prince Philip. Getty Images
    Naomi Armstrong and her daughters Lily and Essie leave a bunch of flowers at the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, in tribute to Prince Philip. Getty Images
  • The Union Jack flag flies at half-mast at Buckingham Palace, London. Getty Images
    The Union Jack flag flies at half-mast at Buckingham Palace, London. Getty Images
  • Members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a gun salute to mark the death of Prince Philip, at the Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks, London. Reuters
    Members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a gun salute to mark the death of Prince Philip, at the Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks, London. Reuters
  • A member of the public person holds a floral tribute to Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace, London. Reuters
    A member of the public person holds a floral tribute to Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace, London. Reuters
  • A girl lays flowers as tribute to Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace, in London. Getty Images
    A girl lays flowers as tribute to Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace, in London. Getty Images
  • Soldiers from 206 Battery, 105 Royal Artillery, take part in a gun salute to the Duke of Edinburgh at Hillsborough Castle in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. Getty Images
    Soldiers from 206 Battery, 105 Royal Artillery, take part in a gun salute to the Duke of Edinburgh at Hillsborough Castle in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. Getty Images
  • Britain's Prince Charles addresses the media, outside Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, following the death of his father, Prince Philip. AP Photo
    Britain's Prince Charles addresses the media, outside Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, following the death of his father, Prince Philip. AP Photo
  • A big screen displays an image commemorating Prince Philip, before the Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park, London. Reuters
    A big screen displays an image commemorating Prince Philip, before the Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park, London. Reuters

Europe

World leaders pay tribute to Prince Philip’s duty and dedication

The prince’s military career and his support for charitable causes are remembered

Simon Rushton
Simon Rushton

April 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

World leaders have paid tribute to Prince Philip, who died on Friday age 99 after a lifetime of devotion to queen and country.
Tributes poured in from the United States, Europe and Commonwealth nations including Australia, New Zealand, India and Canada.
The UAE's leadership sent cables of condolences to Queen Elizabeth II. President Sheikh Khalifa expressed his heartfelt condolences and solace, the UAE state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, dispatched similar cables of condolences to Queen Elizabeth.


US President Joe Biden lauded Prince Philip for his decades of service to the UK and his involvement with military causes.
"Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family," said President Joe Biden in a statement.

"The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more."
The prince's work with Commonwealth nations was honoured across continents.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the duke "embodied a generation that we will never see again".
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts were with the royal family.

"He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May he rest in peace," he said.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the duke would be "fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award".

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the Duke of Edinburgh as a "man of great service to others" who always sought the best in people "and challenged them to strive for greater heights".

“Over the years [he] became colonel‑in‑chief of six Canadian units. In 2011, he was named honorary general of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as honorary admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy,” Mr Trudeau said.

In Europe, condolence messages were delivered from national capitals and the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "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."

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou tweeted a picture of the Corfu-born Duke as a small boy with the words: Prince Philip served his country with devotion for many decades. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Queen Elizabeth, the members of the Royal Family and the British people.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said his death filled her with "great sadness".

"His friendship with Germany, his straightforward nature and his sense of duty will remain unforgotten."

French President Emmanuel Macron said Philip "lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to youth and the environment".

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Prince Philip had "capably supported the queen in her duties as sovereign for over 60 years", according to a statement from a spokesman.

"He was known for his dedication to charitable causes as a patron of some 800 organisations, in particular those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education."

Prince Philip - a life in in pictures

  • At one year old, Prince Philip of Greece shows an interest in things floral, July 1922. Getty Images
    At one year old, Prince Philip of Greece shows an interest in things floral, July 1922. Getty Images
  • King Michael of Romania, right, rides with his cousin Prince Philip of Greece on the sands at Constanza, August 1928. Reuters
    King Michael of Romania, right, rides with his cousin Prince Philip of Greece on the sands at Constanza, August 1928. Reuters
  • Prince Philip of Greece dressed for the Gordonstoun School's production of 'MacBeth', in Scotland, July 1935. Getty Images
    Prince Philip of Greece dressed for the Gordonstoun School's production of 'MacBeth', in Scotland, July 1935. Getty Images
  • A rare picture of Prince Philip of Greece at the public school of Gordonstoun, Elgin, Scotland, December 1939. Reuters
    A rare picture of Prince Philip of Greece at the public school of Gordonstoun, Elgin, Scotland, December 1939. Reuters
  • Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, working at his desk after returning to his Royal Navy duties at the Petty Officers Training Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire, August 1, 1947. Getty Images
    Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, working at his desk after returning to his Royal Navy duties at the Petty Officers Training Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire, August 1, 1947. Getty Images
  • Princess Elizabeth, heiress presumptive to the throne, pictured in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with her husband to be, Lt Philip Mountbatten, and her sister Princess Margaret, September 1947. Reuters
    Princess Elizabeth, heiress presumptive to the throne, pictured in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace with her husband to be, Lt Philip Mountbatten, and her sister Princess Margaret, September 1947. Reuters
  • King George VI, Princess Margaret, Lady Mary Cambridge, Princess Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, London, on November 20, 1947. Getty Images
    King George VI, Princess Margaret, Lady Mary Cambridge, Princess Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, London, on November 20, 1947. Getty Images
  • Undated picture showing the future Queen Elizabeth II of England and Prince Philip of Edinburgh posing with their son Prince Charles, 1949. AFP
    Undated picture showing the future Queen Elizabeth II of England and Prince Philip of Edinburgh posing with their son Prince Charles, 1949. AFP
  • His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, enjoys an old-fashioned hoedown held in the honour of the Royal Couple at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 11, 1951. Getty Images
    His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, enjoys an old-fashioned hoedown held in the honour of the Royal Couple at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 11, 1951. Getty Images
  • Undated picture showing the Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with their two children, Charles, Prince of Wales and Princess Anne in 1952. AFP
    Undated picture showing the Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with their two children, Charles, Prince of Wales and Princess Anne in 1952. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip pose after the Queen's Coronation on June 2, 1953, at Buckingham Palace. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip pose after the Queen's Coronation on June 2, 1953, at Buckingham Palace. AFP
  • The Duke of Edinburgh disembarks from a Harvard Trainer aircraft after a flight, at RAF White Waltham, Berkshire, where he had been training for his 'wings', on May 4, 1953. Getty Images
    The Duke of Edinburgh disembarks from a Harvard Trainer aircraft after a flight, at RAF White Waltham, Berkshire, where he had been training for his 'wings', on May 4, 1953. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles of Wales with his father Prince Philip of Edinburgh aboard a boat in 1955. AFP
    Prince Charles of Wales with his father Prince Philip of Edinburgh aboard a boat in 1955. AFP
  • In February 1979, Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and President Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, joined Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, aboard the royal yacht 'Britannia' during the British royals' state visit to the UAE. Getty Images
    In February 1979, Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and President Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, joined Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, aboard the royal yacht 'Britannia' during the British royals' state visit to the UAE. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh entertain Sultan Qaboos on board the royal yacht Britannia during a state visit to Oman on February 29, 1979 in Muscat, Oman. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh entertain Sultan Qaboos on board the royal yacht Britannia during a state visit to Oman on February 29, 1979 in Muscat, Oman. Getty Images
  • Prince Charles and Princess Diana on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, accompanied by Prince Philip, 29 July, 1981. Getty Images
    Prince Charles and Princess Diana on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, accompanied by Prince Philip, 29 July, 1981. Getty Images
  • Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi greets the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, on November 2, 1989 in New Dehli. Gandhi, who was about to launch his campaign in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections, inaugurated an exhibition on the world's environment, at which Prince Philip was chief guest as president of the WWF. AFP
    Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi greets the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, on November 2, 1989 in New Dehli. Gandhi, who was about to launch his campaign in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections, inaugurated an exhibition on the world's environment, at which Prince Philip was chief guest as president of the WWF. AFP
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, bursts out in laughter during a conversation with Second World War veterans after a wreath-laying ceremony at the main Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ramle, Israel, October 30, 1994. AFP
    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, bursts out in laughter during a conversation with Second World War veterans after a wreath-laying ceremony at the main Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Ramle, Israel, October 30, 1994. AFP
  • Former South African president Nelson Mandela shares a light moment with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip at Drakenstein Prison, Paarl, about 50 kilometres from Cape Town, on November 5, 2000. AFP
    Former South African president Nelson Mandela shares a light moment with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip at Drakenstein Prison, Paarl, about 50 kilometres from Cape Town, on November 5, 2000. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II walks through the Royal Gallery accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh for the State Opening of Parliament on June 20, 2001. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II walks through the Royal Gallery accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh for the State Opening of Parliament on June 20, 2001. AFP
  • Queen Rania of Jordan and the Duke of Edinburgh at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on November 6, 2001. AFP
    Queen Rania of Jordan and the Duke of Edinburgh at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on November 6, 2001. AFP
  • A Clarence House official handout photo shows the Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their families Prince Harry, Prince William, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony on April 9, 2005 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
    A Clarence House official handout photo shows the Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their families Prince Harry, Prince William, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony on April 9, 2005 in Windsor, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh greet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, as he arrives at a lunch for Sovereign Monarchs held in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, at Windsor Castle, on May 18, 2012. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh greet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, as he arrives at a lunch for Sovereign Monarchs held in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, at Windsor Castle, on May 18, 2012. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, greet the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Windsor Castle on April 30, 2013. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, greet the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Windsor Castle on April 30, 2013. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh react as they bid farewell to Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at the end of their official visit at Windsor Castle on April 11, 2014. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh react as they bid farewell to Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at the end of their official visit at Windsor Castle on April 11, 2014. Getty Images
  • Prince Harry and Prince Phillip enjoy the atmosphere during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham on October 31, 2015, in London. Getty Images
    Prince Harry and Prince Phillip enjoy the atmosphere during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham on October 31, 2015, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018. AFP
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh smiles as he talks to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston. AFP
    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh smiles as he talks to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston. AFP
  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh flanked by Assistant Colonel Commandant, Major General Tom Copinger-Symes, inspects buglers during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle, July 22, 2020. AFP
    Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh flanked by Assistant Colonel Commandant, Major General Tom Copinger-Symes, inspects buglers during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle, July 22, 2020. AFP
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