Prince Philip remembered by world leaders for 'great purpose and conviction,' humour
All federal buildings in Canada to lower flags in Philip's honour
A long list of world leaders paid tribute Friday to Prince Philip and offered their condolences to Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royal Family.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Philip, who died Friday at the age of 99, as a "man of great purpose and conviction" and a "beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather."
"It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh," said Trudeau. "A man of great service to others — first as a decorated naval officer and later as a dedicated leader in the areas of community engagement and philanthropy — the Duke always sought out the best in people and challenged them to strive for greater heights.
"Prince Philip maintained a special relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and over the years 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."
WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflects on Philip's legacy:
The Governor General's office at Rideau Hall, in the name of acting administrator Richard Wagner, also praised Philip's contributions to Canada.
"His Royal Highness devoted his life to his family and to fulfilling his unique role in our constitutional monarchy," the statement read.
"Whether speaking with young Canadians about their hopes and dreams, presenting colours and meeting troops at military bases and events, or representing the Crown at state occasions, Prince Philip constantly showed his commitment to Canada. He was a great friend of this country and he will be dearly missed."
With love from Canada, we send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family today. <a href="https://t.co/I5dj79CeUQ">pic.twitter.com/I5dj79CeUQ</a>
—@CanadianForcesAll federal buildings in Canada and abroad, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, will have flags lowered at half-mast until Philip's funeral, it was announced.
Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said Philip "embodied a life of service and the strength of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth are part of his legacy," adding his "sincere condolences to Her Majesty."
WATCH | Jean Chrétien recalls Prince Philip:
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien recalled Prince Philip as "a very pleasant companion to have a chitchat with."
He said the prince "always enjoyed practising his French" when the two would visit.
'He embodied a generation'
U.S. President Joe Biden offered condolences from himself, his wife, Jill, and the people of the United States, recognizing Prince Philip as a man who "saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly" during his lifespan.
WATCH | Mourners in London share memories of Prince Philip:
"The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as a 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," said Biden.
- We're collecting your condolences, memories and reactions to Prince Philip's death — and your questions as well. Send them to [email protected].
Former U.S. president George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, also offered condolences to the monarch and the entire Royal Family.
"He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign," Bush said in a statement. "Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed."
Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump also expressed their condolences with specific memories of their time spent with Queen Elizabeth and Philip.
A statement from former U.S. president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, said they "enjoyed every opportunity we had to visit with him through the years and will always be deeply grateful for the kindness he showed us."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recognized Philip in a statement, indicating he had visited the country more than 20 times and had served as a patron or president for dozens of organizations.
"He embodied a generation that we will never see again," said Morrison. "Beginning as a naval cadet in 1939, he served in war and in peace. When Her Majesty ascended the throne, the Duke ended his military service and became her constant support."
Government flags would be lowered in his honour, Morrison said.
WATCH | Former governor general David Johnson recalls time with Philip and Queen Elizabeth:
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Prince Philip would be "fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award. In over fifty years of the award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the program."
Buckingham Palace flag lowered
In Britain, the flag at Buckingham Palace, the Queen's residence in London, was lowered to half-mast after the announcement of Philip's death. The Royal Family's website featured a black-and-white portrait of the prince while the BBC interrupted scheduled programming to broadcast the national anthem, God Save the Queen.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Philip "earned the affection of generations here in Britain, across the Commonwealth and around the world."
"Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life."
WATCH | British PM Boris Johnson honours Prince Philip:
Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, was among the first to offer his condolences, noting Philip's long record of public service, first as a naval officer during the Second World War, then during more than 70 years of marriage to the Queen.
"He will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to the Queen," Starmer said in a statement.
"For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed — most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond."
WATCH | Prince Philip's royal career and impact on monarchy:
Former British prime minister Tony Blair praised Prince Philip's role as royal consort as well as his charitable works.
Blair described Prince Philip as a man ahead of his time in fighting for the protection of the environment, reconciliation among religious faiths and in the creation of programs to help young people.
"Our whole nation will be united in sadness at the passing of Prince Philip," Blair said in a statement. "He will naturally be most recognized as a remarkable and steadfast support to the Queen over so many years. However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage."
Reaction from around the world also included the following from former governor general David Johnston, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as the leaders of Scotland and Ireland:
On behalf of the Rideau Hall Foundation and our Chair, the Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor General of Canada, we share our deep sadness on the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. <a href="https://t.co/VsJ5bDyEoP">pic.twitter.com/VsJ5bDyEoP</a>
—@RideauHallFdnMy thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.
—@narendramodiI am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of <a href="https://twitter.com/scotgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scotgov</a> and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family. <a href="https://t.co/G7ocXXOH2U">https://t.co/G7ocXXOH2U</a>
—@NicolaSturgeonSaddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.<br>Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.
—@MichealMartinTDAlso Friday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted that "Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service," while Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta called Philip a "towering symbol of family values and the unity of the British people as well as the entire global community."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said his country "celebrates the European and British destiny of a man who, not without panache, served as the contemporary to a century of ordeals and hopes for our continent."
Greece's former king, Constantine II, told The Associated Press in a statement that his relative was "a remarkable man who dedicated his entire life to duty and service for his country and the Commonwealth."
With files from The Associated Press
