The Chairman of Kent County Council, Graham Gibbens, has expressed the deepest sympathy of the members and officers of Kent County Council on the sad passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh today (April 9) aged 99.
The Chairman said: “The Duke has been a constant source of support for Her Majesty The Queen during her reign and he has brought much to the UK and the commonwealth.
“His ease and good nature with the public when visiting the county, and indeed the many other parts of the UK and the world, will be remembered by many, as will his good humour and love of sports.
“Many young people have benefitted from The Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme, which offers many young people across the world the opportunity to gain the skills and experience to help them build confidence and resilience for their future.
“We pay tribute to The Duke for his unwavering support and service to the United Kingdom and our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this most difficult of times.”
The Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin has also paid respects, saying: “It is with great sadness that I heard the news today that Prince Philip has passed away. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
“His was a life well lived. A consort, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, elder statesman… Although out of the public gaze for some time since stepping back from public duty, one cannot think of Her Majesty without thinking of the lifelong companionship that they shared – and the support he gave to her and the nation over the years.
“A special memory I have of him was when I was received at Buckingham Palace as one of Her Majesty’s chaplains – I recall him joking with my girls. I will hold Her Majesty and her extended family in my prayers as they mourn the loss of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.”
Flags around the diocese should now be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.
A fond memory of H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh accompanying Her Majesty the Queen on a visit to #Ramsgate when the Relief lifeboat “R.N.L.B. Her Majesty the Queen” was named on the 16 July 1993. @RNLI #PrincePhilip. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/8tSZ1KyxyQ
— Ramsgate Lifeboat (@RamsgateRNLI) April 9, 2021
Chairman of Thanet District Council, Cllr Jason Savage, also paid tribute, saying: “Staff and Councillors at Thanet District Council are deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time. The council’s Union Flag will be flown at half-mast until the day after the funeral as a mark of respect.
“We appreciate that many people across the district will also be deeply saddened by this news. There is an online book of condolence on the website of the Royal Household https://www.royal.uk/
“Our priority remains to keep everyone safe and, due to the current public health guidelines and lockdown restrictions around COVID-19, we will not be providing books of condolences at our buildings.”
If you are unable to access the online book of condolence you are welcome to send your tribute in writing to the following address;
Tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Civic Office, Sessions House, County Road, Maidstone ME14 1XQ
The Royal Household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather in public places to offer their respects. The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.
