ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed condolence on the demise of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip.
In a tweet, the prime minister said Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. He said the role of Prince Philip in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered.
Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed deep sorrow on the passing away of Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
In a tweet, he said with demise of Prince Philip Pakistan has lost a sincere friend. He said in this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers go out to Her Majesty, the Queen, the Royal family, and people of the United Kingdom.
My condolences on the demise of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. His role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 9, 2021
Deeply saddened on the passing away of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. In his demise, Pakistan has lost a sincere friend. In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers go out to Her Majesty, the Queen, the Royal family, and people of the United Kingdom.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 9, 2021
Public figures across the world have reacted with sadness to the death of Prince Philip, who “passed away peacefully” on Friday morning at Windsor Castle aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced.
The husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip had been by the monarch’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the Duke of Edinburgh’s “extraordinary life and work” and sent his condolences to Queen Elizabeth II over her husband’s death.
“We remember the Duke … above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen, not just as her consort, by her side, every day of her reign, but as her husband, her strength and stay of more than 70 years,” Johnson said in a televised address to the nation.
“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,” he added. “And it is to Her Majesty, and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today.”
On the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/rZlbY1matF
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2021
US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Prince Philip as a selfless servant of Britain and its people.
“From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye – Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family,” he said in a statement.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “saddened” by the death of the duke and sent the “deepest condolences” of the people of Scotland to Queen Elizabeth II.
“I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences – and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland – to Her Majesty The Queen and her family,” she tweeted.
My 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2021
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Duke of Edinburgh for his “distinguished career in the military” and work at the forefront of “many community service initiatives”.
“My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” he tweeted. “May his soul rest in peace.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today.”
“A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world.”
It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today. A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 9, 2021
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Prince Philip and sent his condolences to the Queen.
Prince Philip “lived an exemplary life defined by bravery, a sense of duty and commitment to youth and the environment”, he said on Twitter.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the death of Prince Philip had filled her with “great sorrow”. “His friendship to Germany, his straightforwardness and his sense of duty will not be forgotten,” she said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prince Philip and wished Queen Elizabeth “courage and mental fortitude in the face of a grievous and irreparable loss”.
“He rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and internationally,” a statement from the Kremlin cited Putin as saying.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted Prince Philip’s charitable efforts as he paid his respects to the latter.
“He was known for his dedication to charitable causes as a patron of some 800 organisations, in particular those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education,” Guterres said.
