LIVE: Tributes Paid To Prince Philip Across Sussex, Following His Death Aged 99

Authorities across Sussex have been paying tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, who has died aged 99.

More Radio is updating this page with tributes paid by people and authorities across Sussex, as well as places where members of the public can pay their respects.

South East Coast Ambulance Service

A message from our Chief Executive on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/303ZPh0g3S

— South East Coast Ambulance (@SECAmbulance) April 9, 2021

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Flags at the fire service's Headquarters are being flown at half mast as a mark of respect.

A spokesperson said:

"East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

"We join the nation as we pay our respects."

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Sir Peter Field KCVO KstJ JP, said:

"It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness was born on 10th June 1921 and since their marriage in November 1947 He has been a constant support and companion to Her Majesty The Queen and has touched the hearts of all in East Sussex. His commitment to our Queen and our nation has been total and I am sure you will join with me in sending our sincere condolences to Her Majesty and the whole Royal family on His passing.

"Further announcements will made in due course."

The Lord lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, said:

 “I am greatly saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. I have sent a message to The Queen today expressing my sincere condolences and those of the people of West Sussex at this sad time, and to assure her that she and all the members of the Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers.

“Prince Philip’s contribution to this country and the monarchy has been immense. The Queen has described him as ‘her rock’. He has been a constant and trusted companion, support and adviser to her in both good and troubled times. His understanding of the role of the monarchy in an ever-changing society has encouraged it to change and adapt, without ever losing its dignity and sense of history.

“One of the Duke’s greatest and most enduring legacies is the Award Scheme that bears his name. Established in 1954, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to inspire and excite young people throughout the world to undertake challenges that contribute to their personal development in many ways.

“May he rest in peace.”

Sussex Police said: 

"We join the nation in mourning following the announcement of the sad death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Union Jack flags will fly at half-mast at our buildings from today. May he rest in peace."

Brighton and Hove City Council

Local political leaders have shared their condolences. In a joint statement the leaders said: 

“On behalf of our residents, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family on the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 

“We recognise the Duke’s long service to our country and his dedication to Her Majesty the Queen.

“Our condolences to all who mourn his loss.”

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group, Leader of the Council
Councillor Nancy Platts, leader of the Labour Group
Councillor Steve Bell, leader of the Conservative Group

Councillor Alan Robins, the Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove, has expressed his condolences to the Royal Family.

He said:

“I’m saddened to hear of the news from the Palace that His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, has passed away. On behalf of the citizens of Brighton & Hove and the council I wish to pass our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all the members of the Royal Family.”

Statement from the Bishop of Chichester

Martin Warner, the Bishop of Chichester, said:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and with her family, on hearing the news of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"Beyond the love and commitment of marriage and family life, Prince Philip has a been a remarkable consort in his commitment for nearly 7 decades to the demands of public life – a rock of support in good times and bad.

"Let us now give thanks for his steadfast love of the Queen, their family and the nation that he served with pride. 

"May God grant to him rest and peace and a share in the glory of eternal life.

"+Martin"

Seaford Town Council

A spokesperson from the council said:

"It is with immense sadness that Seaford Town Council learnt of Buckingham Palace’s announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

"H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh has been a constant support and companion to HM The Queen since their marriage in 1947.

"In 2009 The Duke of Edinburgh became the longest serving British consort (companion to the Sovereign). In May 2017 it was announced that The Duke of Edinburgh had decided, with full support of Her Majesty The Queen, to no longer carry out public engagements.

"The Duke of Edinburgh founded the world's leading youth achievement award, The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1956 and was involved in the work of many charities and organisations ranging in topics, including conservation, sport, the military and engineering."

How the Seaford Town Council will be marking the period of National Mourning:

Floral tributes: The Town Council understand that people may wish to lay flowers and other mementos to honour The Duke of Edinburgh as an expression of their condolences. Due to the current restrictions however, you may wish to consider a charitable donation instead of purchasing flowers or other items.

Union Flag: The Union Flag has been lowered to half mast at the Sutton Road War Memorial and Seaford Head Golf Course sites.

Book of Condolence: Due to current restrictions there will not be a book of condolence at the Town Council offices. Further details on an online book of condolence are expected to be published in due course.

Funeral: An announcement will be made in due course as to the funeral of H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh.

Crawley Borough Council

Floral tributes can be left at the bandstand in Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be cleared away the day after the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. All notes on the tributes will be retained, digitised and stored in the Town Hall.

 A spokesperson said:

"The Duke of Edinburgh visited Crawley in 1958 and 2006.

 "In 1958, he joined Her Majesty The Queen when she officially opened Gatwick Airport and Queens Square. They also visited Langley Green Community Hall, Crawley Technical College, St Mary’s Church in Southgate and the George Hotel in the High Street.

 "In 2006, he again visited Queens Square before heading to Thomas Bennett Community College, Varian Medical Systems and also Carey House sheltered housing scheme in West Green."

Councillor Shahzad Malik, Deputy Mayor of Crawley, said:

“I was deeply saddened to learn today of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of Crawley Borough Council, its councillors and residents, I would like to send our warmest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family as we join our nation in mourning.

“As a town, we were proud to have hosted His Royal Highness, along with Her Majesty The Queen, here on two memorable occasions. He dedicated his life to public duty and will be fondly remembered for his charity work and inspiring young people through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.”

Chairman of Arun District Council

"It is with immense sadness that Arun District Council learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"On behalf of the elected members and officers of the Council, and residents of the Arun district, I, Cllr Amanda Worne, Chairman of Arun District Council offer sincerest condolences to her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all."

Haywards Heath Town Mayor

Councillor Alastair McPherson has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinbugh.

He said:

"It is with great sorrow and grief that we heard of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.  I

"I am sure I speak for all of our community when I say that his loss will be felt by us all. The longest serving consort in British history, Prince Philip has been a partner and support to The Queen for over 70 years. 

"What a true example of public service, duty and loyalty but most importantly what a truly wonderful partnership. Our thoughts are with HM The Queen and all of the Royal Family that we hold so dear in our hearts and we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to them at this time.     

"HRH Prince Philip has inspired so many generations of our young people to achieve and succeed through the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, something I know he was immensely proud of, but I wonder how many of our young generation know that he was an also early advocate of the World Wildlife Fund, talking of the dangers to our wildlife and environment long before it became top news. 

"He remained committed to his family, his campaigns and his charitable causes until his death.

"I am sure we will learn much more about all Prince Philip’s charitable endeavours over the coming weeks and I must ask our community to heed the requests of the Royal Family and to make contributions to a charitable cause in place of leaving flowers as a mark of respect to Prince Philip. 

"We will have a Book of Condolence at the Town Hall but ask that residents call ahead should they wish to sign this so the necessary Covid guidelines can be adhered to. Please call 01444 455694 or 07384 289668 and we will get back to you. The Royal Family have an online Book of Condolence on www.royal.uk

"Sir you will be missed by us all,  Rest In Peace HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.”

West Sussex County Council

The County Council is encouraging residents to pay tribute through an online book of condolence on Buckingham Palace’s website www.royal.uk

Residents who do not have online access can send a message of condolence to the Chairman’s Office, Room 102, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1RQ.

Because of the current COVID-19 guidance and restrictions, people are urged to please avoid gathering in public places: for example, rather than laying flowers in a public area, they may wish to display a floral tribute at home.

His Royal Highness accompanied Her Majesty on a number of her visits to West Sussex, including Chichester, Burgess Hill, the South of England Show, Christ’s Hospital, Horsham and Crawley.

The Chairman, Cllr Janet Duncton, made this statement:

“His Royal Highness was a constant presence by the side of his wife, Her Majesty The Queen, for 73 years. He was a great ambassador for the nation, accompanying the Queen on more than 250 foreign trips. At home he supported many good causes but is probably most fondly remembered for founding the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, enjoyed by many young people in West Sussex. His Royal Highness will be greatly missed and I am sure many people the county will want to pay their respects.”

Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council

An online book of condolence is going to be published online for residents in Eastbourne and Lewes.

A spokesperson said:

"The councillors and officers of Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

"Details of an online book of condolence are expected to be published in due course.

"The Union Flag is flying at half-mast outside Southover House in Lewes and the Town Hall, Bandstand and Redoubt in Eastbourne."

Hastings

Cllr Nigel Sinden, mayor of Hastings, has this afternoon paid tribute.

Cllr Sinden, wearing a black armband and a black rosette and with his mayoral badge shrouded, laid a bunch of red roses at the town’s war memorial in Alexandra Park.

The town hall flag is flying at half mast and other flags have been removed.

Cllr Sinden said : 

“I want to pass on my sincere condolences to the Queen on behalf of Hastings Borough Council and all of the people of Hastings. I am greatly saddened at Prince Philip’s death.

“We are asking anyone who wants to lay a floral tribute to do so at the war memorial in Alexandra Park.

“Because of Covid a physical book of remembrance is not possible, and we are inviting residents who want to leave an online message to do so on our website www.hastings.gov.uk where a virtual book of condolence is being set up.”

Burgess Hill

The Mayor of Burgess Hill has said that members of the public can pay their respects to Prince Philip by placing flowers at the War Memorial Garden in Church Walk. 

A Book of Condolence will also be available in the Town Council’s Help Point from Monday 12th April during normal office hours – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm and Wednesday 10am – 5pm. 

Mayor Roger Cartwright said:

"I am sure I speak for the whole of Burgess Hill when I say how sad we were to hear today of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
 
"It is often said that behind every great man there is a woman but we all know that with our own dear Queen, behind a great woman there has been a great man.  A man who became the longest serving Consort to the longest serving Queen.  A man with a distinguished Naval Career established in the Second World War.  A man  who helped our Queen steer the successful course of her monarchy.
 
"We all know that he had a sharp sense of humour but he also had that endearing quality of being able to laugh at himself.  As the following remark he made during a speech to the General Dental Council in 1960 illustrates.  

"He jokingly coined a new word Dontopedalogy.

“It is the science of opening your mouth and putting your foot in it, a science which I have practised for a good many years.”
 
"As our beloved Queen will surely miss his love and support, I am sure we will all miss his distinctive character and charm.  All our lives will be the poorer for his loss. Our thoughts at this time are with the Queen and her family to whom we send our sincere condolences."

Horsham District Council

A spokesperson said:

"The Council joins the nation in expressing its deep sadness at this time, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by Prince Philip.

"The Chairman of the Council will be sending an official letter of condolence to the Royal family at this difficult time.

 "As a mark of respect, flags are being flown at half- mast from Park House offices and the Carfax.

"Due to the ongoing pandemic it is anticipated that an online book of condolence will be opened on the Royal website. 

"Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

"We also ask residents to be mindful that COVID restrictions remain in place.  "

 More to follow...