President extends condolence to Queen Elizabeth on passing of Prince Philip

…says his imprint on 20th century was “ineffaceable”

On behalf of the Guyana Government, President Dr Irfaan Ali extended condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and Queen Elizbeth on Friday, following the announcement of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

In an official statement from the Office of the President, Prince Philip was regarded as an extraordinary public servant, proving stalwart support throughout decades of unprecedented change. The Head of State lauded the Duke for serving with great honour as the patriarch of the Royal Family.
The statement added, “Prince Philip’s military service, particularly in the Second World War, has earned him great respect the world over. His Royal Highness’ early outspoken advocacy for conservation and protection of the environment inspired many and the absence of his voice will be deeply felt. His imprint on the 20th century is ineffaceable.”

According to the BBC, Prince Philip died at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle on Friday morning. He was the longest-serving royal consort in British history, having been at the Queen’s side for more than her six decades of reign.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband,” the Palace said as his passing was made public.
In tribute to the Duke, Westminster Abbey began tolling its tenor bell once every 60 seconds at 18:00. It rang out 99 times to honour each year of his life. Earlier, the flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates to mark the Duke’s death.

People placed floral tributes outside the palace, while hundreds visited Windsor Castle to pay their respects. However, the Government urged the public not to gather or leave tributes at royal residences amid the coronavirus pandemic.
From midday today, a 41-gun salute will take place for Prince Philip in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as in Gibraltar and at sea from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence said. They will be broadcast online and on television for the public to watch from home.
The prince married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen.
Back in March, the Duke left King Edward VII’s hospital in central London after a month-long stay for treatment. He was admitted on February 16 after feeling unwell, and later underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.