Death Of Prince Philip: World Leaders Pour In Their Condolences - Date Of Funeral To Be Confirmed On April 10 -

The Duke of Edinburgh – Prince Philip, the consort to Queen Elizabeth II, has died. Buckingham Palace announced his demise on Friday April 9. He was 99. Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on Friday morning, following a recent stay in the hospital.

The memorial service function of Prince Philip will be held at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle but without large number of people due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The burial service plans for The Duke of Edinburgh are relied upon to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Saturday, April 10, as per a Royal source.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also honored Prince Philip on their altruistic organization’s site Archewell with a post:

“You will be greatly missed”.

Several other world leaders have also poured in their sympathies to the Prince, including Commonwealth leaders, presidents, prime ministers and politicians all over the world.

U.S President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Russian President Vladamir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Former US President George W. Shrubbery, Former US President Barack Obama and his better half, former First Lady Laura Bush have all honored the Prince and offered their sympathies to Queen Elizabeth.

The following are some of the messages from the world leaders;

“In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021. Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed.”

“Remembered Prince Philip as a man of “great service to others,” in a statement, adding that he was “the patron of more than forty organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute.”

“Prince Philip was “no stranger” to the country, having visited on more than 20 occasions, adding that he had strong connections to many Australian organizations and the Australian Defence Force”

“Australians send our love and deepest condolences to Her Majesty and all the Royal family. The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia”

“Prince Philip’s “dignity,” “boundless strength,” “charm” and “wit.” He would be missed.

“Prince Philip’s commitment to the environment “never really faded,”

“We were keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren “in our hearts during this time.”

“it’s a very sad day” for the organization because of the Duke of Edinburgh’s role in its formation”

“Prince Philip “played a role, broadly speaking, in shaping the thinking of the conservation movement at the time. He was definitely, personally, deeply and genuinely passionate about nature. And he was also a tireless champion for the environment. He was a true visionary.”

“Prince Philip “proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.”

Prince Philip was born into the royal families of Greece and Denmark on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921.

He left Greece aged 18 months with his family when King Constantine was forced to abdicate after a revolt by Greece’s war-stretched military forces.

The family moved first to Paris and later, in 1928, to England. He had an itinerant childhood, educated variously in the UK, France, and Germany.

Meanwhile, on online book of condolence has been launched on the Royal Family’s official website, allowing the public to leave messages of sympathy following the death of Prince Philip.

The family has asked members of the public to “consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh.”

With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with Government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds,” it added. “Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences.

The Story:

When Elizabeth of York first encountered Prince Philip, she was not intended to be queen. She was seven years old and serving as a bridesmaid to her aunt, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, at her wedding to the Duke of Kent at Westminster Abbey, while 12-year-old Philip was attending as the bride’s first cousin.

The children hardly spoke — but foreign newspapers had already listed Prince Philip as a suitably royal husband for the little Princess, as her third cousin through Queen Victoria.

The royal family arrived at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in 1939. When they met again five years later, in 1939, everything had changed. Elizabeth’s uncle, Edward VIII, had abdicated three years earlier. Her father was now King and she was the heir to the throne.

Philip was an 18-year-old naval cadet. And Europe was on the brink of cataclysmic conflict and change, with World War II about to begin.

Elizabeth had led a very sheltered life with her family, spending most of her time with her sister and governess. Touring the college with her parents and sister, she was dazzled by the star cadet, who would soon be off on active service.

Elizabeth’s fascination was obvious to all and was most gratifying to Philip’s uncle, Dickie Mountbatten, who was hopeful of encouraging a marriage, with himself as the power behind the throne.

During the war, Philip wrote to Elizabeth and came to stay at Christmas in 1943. Elizabeth was 17 and a young woman. Philip found her very appealing. She was not only attractive and witty, but she was cheerful and practical, very unlike his own fragile mother.

At the end of the war, Philip came to court Elizabeth with serious intent and took her out to concerts and restaurants or dined in the nursery with Princess Margaret.

The Palace was dubious about the match. The King and Queen wished her to “see more of the world” before marrying, and courtiers discussed how Philip was “no gentleman,” “ill tempered” and possibly fickle — he signed visitors’ books as of “no fixed abode.”

But Elizabeth refused to be swayed. She had been determined on Philip since the age of 13 and war had only intensified the romance. The King gave in and the engagement was announced on July 8, 1947, with the wedding date fixed for November 20.

Elizabeth and Philip make their way down the aisle of Westminster Abbey on their wedding day, November 20, 1947.