‘A generation that we will never see again’: World leaders react to Prince Philip’s death
Current and former world leaders including Prime Minister Scott Morrison have joined a chorus of condolences following the death of Prince Philip at the age of 99.
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Current and former world leaders have joined a chorus of condolences following the death of Prince Philip at the age of 99.
The Queen’s husband passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle, the palace confirmed in a statement.
The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is a profound loss for Queen Elizabeth, who once described him as her “strength and guide” – and those words were echoed in stirring tributes.
The palace announced Prince Philip’s passing “with deep sorrow”, saying he died peacefully on Friday morning (local time) at Windsor Castle.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the official statement said.
Leaders and influential personalities from around the world including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who described Philip as embodying “a generation we will never see again” – have paid tribute to Prince Philip. Here’s what they said:
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.
By any measure, he lived an extraordinary life — as a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award and above all, as Her Majesty The Queen’s loyal consort.
“Our thoughts are very much with Her Majesty and her family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husbane and a proud and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather
“We are a kingdom united both in grief and gratitude; grief at Prince Philip’s passing, and gratitude for his decades of selfless service to the country.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
For nearly 80 years, Prince Philip served his Crown, his country and the Commonwealth.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was, in the words of Her Majesty, her ‘strength and stay’.
He embodied a generation that we will never see again.
Prince Philip was no stranger to Australia, having visited our country on more than 20 occasions.
Through his service to the Commonwealth he presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia.
For 65 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has encouraged over 775,000 young Australians to explore their leadership potential.
Forty thousand young Australians are currently participating in the program.
Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family.
The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip.
God bless from all here in Australia.
Australian Governor-general, David Hurley
This is a sad and historic day.
As we mourn, we should also reflect and give thanks for His Royal Highness’ lifetime of service, devotion and commitment.
Service beginning with his time in the Royal Navy – including during the Second World War when he was mentioned in dispatches while a young sub-Lieutenant on-board HMS VALIANT.
Devotion to Her Majesty The Queen, whom he married in 1947 and lovingly supported throughout his life, and to the entire royal family.
“And commitment to the Commonwealth and the many hundreds of organisations – including many here in Australia – of which he served as Patron and for whom he was a passionate advocate and supporter.
His Royal Highness visited Australia 21 times over the years, including on each of Her Majesty’s State Visits.
He was a popular, engaged and welcome visitor to our shores.
His impact was profound – not least on the more than 775,000 young Australians who have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award since it began here in 1959.
Many Australians will have a personal memory of His Royal Highness and many around the world will, in coming days, reflect on his remarkable life and legacy.
As we reflect and remember, we think especially of Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, who have lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
On behalf of the Australian people, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty and family, the people of the Commonwealth and to all those who share in this sad news.
We give thanks for the Duke of Edinburgh’s service, his loyal and loving devotion to Her Majesty and his commitment to Australia, The Commonwealth and all her people.
May he Rest in Peace.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family.
“Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. In over 50 years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme”.
Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull
Farewell Prince Philip – always charming to this republican. But never more so than at Malta 2015 when he relived his young life with his young wife not yet a Queen. He spoke of love, adventure, eyes sparkling, he banished time. And we could see how he won Elizabeth’s heart.
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
I have fond memories of spending time with Prince Philip during his visit to Australia at the time of CHOGM in Perth. While a man of duty, he had a sense of fun.
His loss will be mourned by the Queen, his family and millions around the world.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
I send condolences on behalf of all Queenslanders to Buckingham Palace regarding the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Duke of Edinburgh is a much loved and respected member of the Royal Family and will be remembered fondly in Queensland.
US President Joe Biden
On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly.
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.
His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavours he shaped.
Jill and I are keeping the Queen and to Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.
Former US President Barack Obama
When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect.
We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humour.
It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.
Like the Queen, Prince Philip saw world wars and economic crises come and go. The radio gave way to the television, and the television to the internet. And through it all, he helped provide steady leadership and guiding wisdom. It has long been said that the United States and Great Britain have a special relationship — one that has been maintained and strengthened not just by presidents and prime ministers but by the Royal Family that has outlasted them all.
At the Queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman. Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.
As the world mourns his loss, we send our warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to the Queen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and everyone who knew and loved this remarkable man.
Piers Morgan
A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty & was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign.
A very sad day for our country. Thank you, Sir.
Sir Richard Branson
Rest in peace Prince Philip. A lifetime of public service. My thoughts are with the Queen and all of the Royal Family
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon
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.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
His contribution to his country is an example for all of us. We extend our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family and the people of Great Britain.
High Commissioner for Australia to the United Kingdom, George Brandis
@AusHouseLondon join with the Governor-General and the Prime Minister in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
We send our love and deepest condolences to HM The Queen and all members of The Royal Family.
Australians held a deep fondness for His Royal Highness, who visited Australia on several memorable occasions.
We are particularly appreciative of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Australians.
Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey
I extend the heartfelt condolences of all Queenslanders to The Queen and Royal Family on the death of HRH Prince Philip.
The Prince earned the enduring admiration of Queenslanders for his integrity, kindness and humour, and for his loyalty as consort for 68yrs.
Originally published as ‘A generation that we will never see again’: World leaders react to Prince Philip’s death
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