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Tributes for Prince Philip pour in after Duke of Edinburgh’s death at Windsor Castle

The actors who played Prince Philip in the popular Netflix series The Crown have reacted to the royal’s death among a slew of big names.

Emma ReynoldsEmma Reynolds
@emmareyn
7 min read
April 10, 2021 - 8:58AM
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, dies aged 99

Tributes continue to pour in from across the world after the death of Prince Philip.

Tobias Menzies and Matt Smith, who both played Prince Philip in the popular Netflix series The Crown have both made touching statements about the royal’s death.

“If I know anything about the Duke of Edinburgh I’m fairly sure he wouldn’t want an actor who has portrayed him on television giving their opinion on his life, so I’ll leave it to Shakespeare,” said Menzies, who played the Prince in Season 3 and 4 of the drama series alongside Olivia Colman who played Queen Elizabeth II.

“O good old man! how well in thee appears/ The constant service of the antique world... the statement concluded. Rest in Peace.”

Meanwhile Smith, who played a younger Prince Philip in Season 1 and 2, said he wanted to offer his “condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family”.

“Prince Philip was the man. And he knew it. 99 and out, but what an innings. And what style. Thank you for your service old chap - it won’t be the same without you,” he said.

Smith worked with Claire Foy who played the Queen and received an Emmy Award nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his work.

RELATED: Follow our updates as the world reacts to Prince Philip’s death

Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip.
Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip.
Matt Smith as Prince Philip and Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix drama series, The Crown.
Matt Smith as Prince Philip and Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix drama series, The Crown.

In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Duke of Edinburgh “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.

Mr Morrison said the 99-year-old, who died peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning local time, was “no stranger to Australia”, visiting more than 20 times.

Buckingham Palace released a statement at around midday Friday local time, in which the Queen announced “with deep sorrow” that her “beloved husband” had died. Leaders and famous names rushed to pay their respects to the much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

People gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London on April 9 after the announcement of Prince Philip’s death. Picture: Tolga Akmen / AFP
People gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London on April 9 after the announcement of Prince Philip’s death. Picture: Tolga Akmen / AFP
Crowds paid their respects and laid flowers at the Palace, despite COVID restrictions. Picture: Tolga Akmen / AFP
Crowds paid their respects and laid flowers at the Palace, despite COVID restrictions. Picture: Tolga Akmen / AFP

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“Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family,” said the Prime Minister. “God bless from all here in Australia.”

He noted that the Queen had called the Duke her “strength and stay”, and that Prince Philip presided as patron or president of nearly 50 organisations in Australia.

RELATED: Prince Philip dies aged 99

Mr Morrison said that Prince Philip had a strong connection with the Australian Defence Force, with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme encouraging more than 775,000 young Australians to explore their leadership potential. The Prime Minister is expected to address the nation on Saturday morning.

Governor-general David Hurley, the Queen’s representative in Australia, said it was his “solemn and melancholy duty” to announce the death to Australians on 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,” he said, adding that the prince was “a passionate advocate and supporter” of hundreds of organisations.

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He said the Duke was a “popular, engaged and welcome visitor to our shores” whose “impact was profound”, extending “deepest condolences to Her Majesty and family” on behalf of all Australians.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said Prince Philip had “gladly dedicated himself” to the people of the Commonwealth and his family.

“The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the armed forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more,” said Mr Biden.

“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 Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.”

Later, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the President said Philip was “a heck of a guy”.

“We really do express our condolences for an extraordinary life,” he said.

“Ninety-nine years old, he never slowed down at all, which I admire the devil out of.”

Former president Donald Trump issued a statement saying Philip “embodied the noble soul and proud spirit of the United Kingdom”.

“Melania and I send our deepest and most profound condolences,” said Mr Trump.

“We send our most heartfelt sympathies to the British people. This is an irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilisation.

“Prince Philip defined British dignity and grace. He personified the quiet reserve, stern fortitude and unbending integrity of the United Kingdom.

“He was admired by his fellow citizens and respected by everyone around the world. His exceptional example of service, constancy and patriotism will be his greatest legacy.

“As we grieve his loss, we celebrate his memory and rededicate ourselves to the values to which he devoted his extraordinary life. He will be greatly missed.”

Another former president, Barack Obama, was also full of praise.

“Through his extraordinary example, His Royal Highness Prince Philip proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness - all in service of something greater,” Mr Obama said.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, the royal family and the British people.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Prince Philip “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.”

The Duke, he said, was a “champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable” and led “an extraordinary life”.

Mr Johnson remarked on his “steadfast support” for the Queen.

“It is to Her Majesty and the family that the nation’s thoughts must turn today.”

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Duke would be “fondly remembered”.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time,” she said, expressing her “sincere condolences” to the Queen and royal family on behalf of all New Zealanders.

“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,” she added, saying thousands of young people in the country had completed “life-changing challenges” through the program over 50 years.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had learned of the Duke’s death with

“deep sadness”, and saying the nation’s thoughts were with the Queen and royal family after their “significant loss”.

“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,” he said.

“Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.”

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress “extends condolences over the passing of Prince Philip, whose life was distinguished by an inspiring ethic of dedicated service. May it be a comfort to Her Majesty & the Royal family that so many mourn with & pray for them at this sad time.”

Former US president George W. Bush said he and wife Laura were “saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said he joined with the UK and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Prince Philip, giving thanks “for his extraordinary life of dedicated service”.

He said the Duke had “continually demonstrated his unfailing support and unstinting loyalty to Her Majesty The Queen for 73 years” and “consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own”, winning the respect of his peers as an outstanding officer in the Second World War.

“On the occasions when I met him, I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his inquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at their ease and making them feel special.”

Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he was “saddened” to hear the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time,” he said.

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she had “fond memories of spending time with Prince Philip during his visit to Australia” for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.

“While a man of duty, he had a sense of fun,” she said.

Another former prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the world “seems a little emptier tonight” adding that as we mourn, we should be “uplifted by his example”.

The Royal standard flag at Buckingham Palace has been lowered to half-mast and a notice of the death of the longest-serving consort in British history placed on the gates. Members of the public and around 30 or 40 news broadcasters from across the world gathered outside the Palace on Friday afternoon local time, while others laid flowers in Windsor.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “saddened” to hear of the death and sent her “personal and deepest condolences” to the Queen. She said the Duke, who went to school in Scotland, had “transformed the lives” of countless young people.

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair said the nation was “united in sadness at the passing of Prince Philip”.

“He will naturally be most recognised as a remarkable & steadfast support to the Queen over so many years,” said Mr Blair. “However, he should also be remembered and celebrated in his own right as a man of foresight, determination and courage.

My condolences and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen & all the Royal Family.”

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/tributes-for-prince-philip-pour-in-after-duke-of-edinburgh-died-at-windsor-castle/news-story/5e395a0f715fb2115c90552ec8c8b5d3