Celebrities and world leaders honour Prince Philip
Celebrities including Kylie Minogue and world leaders have paid tribute to Prince Philip, remembering his service and his sense of fun.
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The world has bid farewell to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9 at age 99, and was interred in the Royal Vault at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle after a 50-minute service attended by just 30 guests.
Philip — described by royals as “the grandfather of the nation” — was Britain’s longest-serving royal consort and was married to the Queen for 73 years.
The intimate funeral was broadcast live on television to millions across Britain and the world.
Here’s how world leaders and celebrities are paying their respects.
KYLIE MINOGUE
Australian singer Kylie Minogue was among the many celebrities who shared their own tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh and said it had been an “honour” to meet with him.
She shared photos of the time they met in 2017 when Prince Philip presented her with a British-Australia Society Award in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
“RIP HRH Prince Philip. What an honour it was to meet at Windsor Castle,”, she tweeted.
RIP HRH Prince Philip. What an honour it was to meet at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/8mi1NdAl4r
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) April 17, 2021
BORIS JOHNSON
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, dressed in black, observed the silence at his country retreat, Chequers.
he posted a photo of himself while he took the minute of silence.
“In Memoriam HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021,” he tweeted.
In Memoriam HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021. pic.twitter.com/QoKgxOYnt5
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 17, 2021
JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a statement shortly before Prince Philip’s funeral, announcing that Canada would donate $200,000 to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
“The Duke of Edinburgh was a lifelong companion to our Queen and a dear friend to Canada,” Mr Trudeau’s statement read.
“He was also a devoted public servant whose contributions changed countless lives around the world, especially those of young people.
“As we mourn his loss, we pay tribute to his remarkable life and public service. His lifetime dedication to youth will continue to lift generations to come.”
KATHY LETTE
Austrlaian UK-based autohr Kathy Lette tweeted a memory of the Duke of Ediburgh with a photo she had of herself with the Queen.
She described him as a “bit of a Dude”.
She tweeted: “I hope you like my suit, though I’m slightly worried that one of your corgis might mate with my leg.” The Queen laughed but Prince Philip glowered + growled. Thought I was off to the Tower – but then he gave me a big, juicy, rascally wink. A Duke yes, but also a bit of a Dude.”
“I hope you like my suit, though I’m slightly worried that one of your corgis might mate with my leg.†The Queen laughed but Prince Philip glowered + growled. Thought I was off to the Tower – but then he gave me a big, juicy, rascally wink. A Duke yes, but also a bit of a Dude. pic.twitter.com/E1ptPiPayi
— Kathy Lette (@KathyLette) April 17, 2021
PETER ANDRE
English-Australian singer Peter Andre posted a picture of the Duke on Twitter with the words: “Farewell Prince Philip. Thinking of our Queen.”
Farewell Prince Philip. Thinking of our Queen. ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸ pic.twitter.com/1mEYZTwktU
— Peter Andre (@MrPeterAndre) April 17, 2021
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
During the BBC’s coverage of the funeral, Sir David Attenborough shared his memories of having worked with the Duke of Edinburgh on conservation projects.
He said: “He spoke with a passion...he cared about it, but he also knew about it a lot.
“If people are aware that there are problems (with wildlife conservation), a great deal of that is due to him.”
CHARLES SPENCER
Charles Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, tweeted: “Goodness - what a stunningly moving ceremony.”
LIAM PAYNE
Former One Direction singer Liam Payne posted a watercolour painting he had painted of Prince Philip. He wrote: “Rest in peace HRH Prince Philip, finished this off whilst listening to your life what a great legacy left behind.”
PIERS MORGAN
Piers Morgan tweeted a photo of Queen Elizabeth II with the Duke and wrote: “Thinking of The Queen today as she says goodbye to the love of her life.”
The former Good Morning Britain host walked off the set of the morning TV show after having a tantrum on-air about Meghan Markle following her Oprah Winfrey tell-all interview with Prince Harry.
Morgan also added on Instagram: “The Queen, who has devoted her life to selfless public service, will be forced to sit all alone during the funeral of her husband of 73 years, due to covid restrictions. How heartbreakingly sad.”
Thinking of The Queen today as she says goodbye to the love of her life. â¤ï¸ðŸ™ pic.twitter.com/Hv52xXCJEc
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 17, 2021
FROM LAST WEEK
JOE BIDEN
US President Joe Biden recently described the Duke as a “heck of a guy” in some comments to reporters during an Oval Office meeting.
Mr Biden said he, his wife Jill and his administration sent their “condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the loss of Prince Philip”.
He noted Prince Philip’s “bravery serving in World War II, as well as his being champion of the enivronment as well the charitable things he set up.”
Mr Biden said: “I think he’s going to be missed, particularly in the United Kingdom. 99 years old and never slowed down at all, which I admire the devil out of.”
He had earlier released a statement that said the Duke had “dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family”.
Mr Biden is reportedly set to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace in June.
BARACK OBAMA
Barack Obama last week took to social media to pay tribute to Prince Philip.
The former US President shared a picture of he and his wife Michelle with the Duke and the Queen taken at the monarch’s 90th birthday celebrations back in 2016.
In the caption, Mr Obama wrote Prince Philip and the Queen had “already been on the world stage for more than half a century” when he and his wife first met the royal couple.
“As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried,” he wrote.
“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.”
SCOTT MORRISON
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Philip “embodied a generation that we will never see again” in his condolences he sent last week.
“On behalf of the Australian people and the Australian people and the Australian Government, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty and the royal family for the passing and the death of the Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh,” he said from Kirribilli House.
“Your Majesty, here in Australia and indeed across the world, your Commonwealth family joins in your sorrow and your mourning and that of your family.
“But also we give thanks for the life of who you described as your strength and your stay. Your Prince, Prince Philip.
“Husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
“The Duke’s life was one of duty and of service, of loyalty and of honour.
“Memories of him will of course tell stories of his candour and a unique and forceful and authentic personality.
“But above all, he was a man who was steadfast, who could be relied upon, always standing by his Queen.”
Mr Morrison continued: “As the Governor-General reminded us last night, he visited our country on more than 20 occasions.
“On board the HMS ‘Ramali’ in 1940 as a midshipman.
“In that crowning tour when he had joined the new Queen in great ceremony and great excitement here in Australia.
“But there were also moments of deep compassion, in particular in the terrible bushfires of 1967 in Tasmania, where he comforted the victims and he toured the burnt out Cascade Brewery.
“There are many towering figures that the world has lost and known, but few have been before us in our lifetimes for such a long time.
“His presence and service are reassurance, a reminder of the stability we so often need in a world that can be so uncertain.
“With his passing we say farewell to another of the greatest generation.
“The generation that defied tyranny, that won at peace, and built a liberal world order that protects and favours freedom.
“An order that indeed Australia shelters under for our own peace and prosperity and stability to this day.
“But above all today, we think of our Queen.
“While your strength and stay, your Majesty, may not have passed, Jenny and I pray that you will find great comfort in your faith and your family at this time.
“But we also, your Majesty, say to you at a Commonwealth let us also now be your strength and stay as you continue to endure, as you continue to serve so loyally and so faithfully, as you have done over so many generations.
“She has been there for us over such a long time.
“Let us be there now for you, your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I am sure, one of your most sad of days.
“I am sure her prince would join me in saying, God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save our Queen.”
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