The Americas

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'

The National

April 10, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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."

Read More

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 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

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
    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
    epa09124345 People place a Union Jack next to flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA
  • Jockeys and trainers observe a minute of silence in Aintree. EPA
    Jockeys and trainers observe a minute of silence in Aintree. EPA
  • Flowers are left at the entrance to Windsor castle. AFP
    Flowers are left at the entrance to Windsor castle. AFP
  • A young girl places flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA
    A young girl places flowers outside Buckingham Palace. EPA
  • Children add to the floral tributes outside the Henry VIII Gate of Windsor Castle. AFP
    Children add to the floral tributes outside the Henry VIII Gate of Windsor Castle. AFP
  • People gather outside Buckingham Palace. EPA
    People gather outside Buckingham Palace. EPA
  • An announcement is attached to the fence of Buckingham Palace. Reuters
    An announcement is attached to the fence of Buckingham Palace. Reuters
  • The Union Flag flies at half-mast atop Buckingham Palace. AFP
    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 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
    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 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
    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
    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
    Staff members bring a notice to the fence of Buckingham Palace. Reuters
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

The national orchestra
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21

  1. Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
  2. Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
  3. Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
  4. Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
  5. Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
  6. Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
  7. Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
  8. Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog:

From: Wimbledon, London, UK

Education: Medical doctor

Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures 

Favourite animals: All of them 

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Letswork%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOmar%20Almheiri%2C%20Hamza%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20co-working%20spaces%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.1%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20with%20investors%20including%20500%20Global%2C%20The%20Space%2C%20DTEC%20Ventures%20and%20other%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2020%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Health Valley

Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

More on this story
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Profile of VoucherSkout

Date of launch: November 2016

Founder: David Tobias

Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers

Sector: Technology

Size: 18 employees

Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake

Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars” 

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The biog

Hometown: Cairo

Age: 37

Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror

Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing

Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition

School uniforms report
Q&A with Dash Berlin

Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.

You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.

You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.

Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.

 

Canada