Prince Philip tributes pour in from Biden, Trump, Trudeau and other North American leaders

Queen Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, helped foster 'special relationship'

Leaders and public figures from across North America paid tribute to Prince Philip and sent messages of sympathy to Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Friday after the death of her husband at the age of 99.

Queen Elizabeth, usually with her husband by her side, played a key role in fostering the so-called special relationship between Britain and the US and has met 12 serving presidents since she took the throne in 1952.

"Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family," President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The US president lauded Prince Philip for his decades of service to the UK and his involvement with military causes.

"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."

In subsequent remarks at the White House, the 78-year-old Mr Biden said: "Ninety-nine years old, he never slowed down at all, which I admire the devil out of."

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President Biden was not the only US leader to send his condolences.

"Over the past few years, Melania and I were honoured to have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom," former president Donald Trump said in a statement. "We saw firsthand how the Monarchy epitomises and carries on the virtues of the British People -- and no one did so more than Prince Philip."

Former President George W Bush also spoke fondly of how the prince "represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign.”

Mr Bush said he and his wife "are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed".

In the US, which rejected the monarchy in 1776, a fascination with the British royals endured over the centuries. Interest has only grown since the marriage of the Californian actress Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, to Prince Philip's grandson, Prince Harry.

In a short note on the couple's website, they said Prince Philip would be "greatly missed".

Former president Barack Obama released a statement in which he reflected fondly on meeting the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, saying, "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. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humour."

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".

Canada is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly known as the British Commonwealth, a group of 54 countries that were almost all once part of the British Empire.

“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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Floral tributes outside Buckingham Palace in London. 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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Trudeau said Prince Philip would be "fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our queen – a lifelong companion who was always at her side offering unfailing support as she carried out her duties".

Over the years, Prince Philip made at least 70 trips to Canada.

His last visit was in 2013, during which he picked up his insignia for the Companion of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest distinction, and commander of the Order of Military Merit from former governor-general David Johnston.

Former US president Bill Clinton also sent his family's condolences.

"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."

At the 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."

People place flowers and condolence messages outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Prince Philip. EPA

epa09124345 People place a Union Jack next to flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA

Jockeys and trainers observe a minute of silence in Aintree. EPA

Flowers are left at the entrance to Windsor castle. AFP

A young girl places flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA

Children add to the floral tributes outside the Henry VIII Gate of Windsor Castle. AFP

People gather outside Buckingham Palace. EPA

An announcement is attached to the fence of Buckingham Palace. Reuters

The Union Flag flies at half-mast atop Buckingham Palace. AFP

People wait in a line to view the announcement at Buckingham Palace. AP Photo

People take pictures of the announcement displayed on the fence of Buckingham Palace. AP Photo

A member of the media reports outside Buckingham Palace. Reuters

A tribute on a big screen for the late Prince Philip, ahead of Ladies Day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. PA

Video screens show pictures Prince Philip at the Grand National Horse Racing meeting at Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool. AP Photo

Staff members bring a notice to the fence of Buckingham Palace. Reuters