'His immense contribution to public life will be sorely missed': Tributes following death of Prince Philip

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband passed away peacefully this morning (April 9) at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.

Tributes have been pouring in from people throughout Hartlepool honouring Philip following the sad news.

Cllr Shane Moore, Hartlepool Borough Council leader, posting on Twitter, said: “It is with deepest sadness that I hear the news of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“My sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the whole Royal Family at this sad time. “

Hartlepool Borough Council have released a statement that they are saddened to hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and have opened an online Book of Condolence.

People can add a message at https://online.hartlepool.gov.uk/service/book_of_condolence.

Council officers have also confirmed as a mark of respect the flags at the Civic Centre will be flown at half-mast during the period of national morning.

The Hartlepool Independent Union and the Labour Party in the town have both announced their election campaigning will be suspended until further notice as a mark of respect.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has expressed his ‘sincere and heartfelt’ condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family following the news, on behalf of the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

He said: “I would like to express my deep admiration for the service His Royal Highness has given to this country. His immense contribution to public life will be sorely missed.

“It is widely agreed that throughout his life His Royal Highness displayed exemplary leadership, both in his military career and in his service as a member of the Royal Family.

“His service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War is emblematic of the contribution his entire generation made on behalf of this nation and the free people of the world.”

He also paid tribute to Philip’s impact on young people in the Tees Valley through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Mr Houchen added: “His Royal Highness has been positively involved in the lives of a huge number of people here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool as he has been through hundreds of nations across the globe, through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“The Award has inspired and educated many young people, instilling and developing within them the confidence, skills and outlook needed to face the challenges of work and life more broadly.

“His Royal Highness’ commitment to this initiative has undoubtedly changed the lives of a significant amount of people and I am sure of the gratitude which many feel towards him as a result of it.

“We are deeply thankful for the work done and sacrifices made by His Royal Highness throughout his long and most admirable life, and our wholehearted sympathies will remain with Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their loss.”

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis has also paid his respects to the Duke of Edinburgh.

He said: “All at Cleveland Police extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen on the loss of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“Like many of the ‘greatest generation’, serving in WWII, His Royal Highness gave a lifetime’s service to our nation.”