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Flags are to be flown at half-mast in Jersey after Prince Philip passed away aged 99.
A statement from Buckingham Palace released this afternoon read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
Flags are to be flown at half-mast immediately from today between 08:00 and 20:00 daily until 08:00 on the day following the funeral.
Prince Philip had recently been in hospital in London where he underwent a heart procedure and was discharged around two weeks later.
“I am saddened to hear news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We know of course that he was receiving recent medical care but that cannot fully prepare one for the loss of such an important figure,” the Bailiff, Tim Le Cocq, said.
It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
“Only a few amongst us are old enough to remember a time when he was not a significant part of the central life of the nation, supporting Her Majesty the Queen in her Royal duties, having retired from public duties only recently.
“He carried out those duties diligently and played an important role in national affairs and in the work of the monarchy. He was from that wartime generation that understood and exemplified duty and service and we remember with affection his numerous visits to Jersey. He was known for his forthright speech and sense of humour and he will I know be missed.
“We are grateful for his life of service and there will be time on the future to reflect on that. At this time, though, our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family in this time of loss and grief.”
A virtual book of condolence will be opened rather due to covid restrictions. Members of the public are being advised not to lay flowers formally until instructed to do so by the Bailiff’s Chambers.
The Bailiff will also be giving an address to the States Assembly on Tuesday 20 April, the first sitting following the Easter recess.
Pictured: The Bailiff will address States Members on 20 April.
The Lieutenant-Governor, His Excellency Sir Stephen Dalton, and Lady Dalton said: "It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Place has announced the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was an outstanding man who served Her Majesty The Queen, The Nation and the people of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, The Crown Dependencies and the Commonwealth with distinction, energy and passion. His Royal Highness provided many charitable and vocational organisations, of which he was patron, with clear guidance, strong support and characteristic leadership.
"In particular, His own Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which he initiated as far back as 1956, continues to provide positive challenge, focus and adventure to many young people around the globe and is a very fine legacy of His character and commitment."
Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré commented this afternoon that “Ministers and officials across the Government of Jersey share the profound sadness felt by Islanders at the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.”
He continued: “His Royal Highness has been steadfast and selfless in his support of Her Majesty The Queen throughout her reign, and visited our Island on seven occasions, as well as acting as patron of several Jersey charities.
“Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme he has also helped to transform the lives of millions of young people over the past six decades. His service and commitment to charitable and community causes will be sorely missed.”
Prince Philip, who married Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and was the longest-serving Royal consort in British history. He retired from public duties aged 97 in 2017, having given more than 5,000 speeches and attended more than 22,000 solo engagements - including visits to Jersey.
Alongside the Queen, the Duke visited the island six times between 1949 and 2005. Their most recent marked 60 years since the Channel Islands were liberated from Occupation.
Pictured: Prince Philip last visited Jersey on the 60th anniversary of Liberation Day.
"His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited Jersey on many occasions, most recently in 2005 and clearly enjoyed meeting so many Islanders on those visits. Today, on this sad occasion, our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the other members of the Royal Family," the Lieutenant-Governor reflected.
Lt Col Charles Woodrow was aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant-Governor during two visits of the Queen and Prince Philip.
Recalling the occasions when he had met the Duke, Col Woodrow said: “He was colonel of my regiment, the Grenadier Guards, when I was Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion in 1986.
“He came to visit us before our two-year deployment to Ulster and while we were out there too.
“He was fantastic: very knowledgeable and he asked very good questions. I was extremely proud to be Commanding Officer and to show him around.”
Recounting the Royal Visits, Col Woodrow said: “You had to be on the ball with him, and like his daughter the Princess Royal, you had to have your finger on the pulse."
He added that the Duke occasionally "came out with some fairly outrageous comments, but that was all part of his charm."
Col Woodrow continued: “I don’t recall him directly commenting on Jersey when he was here, but I do remember his chauffeur, who came from the Palace, saying that the Queen and Prince Philip had commented that the island was a most wonderful place to visit, and its people were charming and friendly.”
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