Kings, heads of state and ministers around the world have sent heartfelt condolences on the death of 99-year-old Prince Philip.
European royal families and Commonwealth leaders similarly praised the Duke of Edinburgh for his long years of dedicated public service.
‘Heck Of A Guy’
Joe Biden described Prince Philip as a “heck of a guy”, and all living former US presidents also sent tributes.
Meanwhile, church memorial ceremonies and memorial services took place on Sunday.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended a service in Sydney at St Sydney Cathedral that included prayers for the royal family and a naval hymn in honor of Prince Philip.
He previously described the chief as “a man who was steadfast, who could be relied upon, who always [stood] by his Queen”.
“Through many of Prince Philip’s visits to Australia, we have come to know him as a compassionate and efficient man, a warmth, a curiosity-filled and a generous spirit,” said Pastor Kanishka de Silva Raffel at the service.
What Did Other Ministers Say?
In neighboring New Zealand, an event took place on Sunday in the country’s capital, Wellington, in which 41 gunshots were fired as a salute to the deceased soul.
On Saturday, Pope Francis honored the duke for his devotion to his marriage and family”.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church also commented on the prince’s commitment to education and the advancement of future generations “.
The Tibetan religious leader, the Dalai Lama, wrote to the Queen and Prince Charles, saying that Prince Philip would be remembered for living a meaningful life.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a message of condolence.
The Duke, who was pronounced dead by Buckingham Palace on Friday, was seen accompanying the Queen during many of her overseas tour.
Prince Philip’s Royal Blood Ties
Prince Philip had blood ties with many European or modern royal families, and many of their members sent condolences.
The phone call from King Felipe and Queen Letizia from Spain was particularly impressive, sending “all our love” to Aunt Lilibet (a nickname used by the emperor for his wife) and to Uncle Philip.The telegram from King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain was particularly poignant, sending “all our love and affection” to Aunt Lilibet (the affectionate name used by the duke for his wife) and Dear Uncle Philip.
“We will never forget the times we spent with him,” they told the Queen.
Swedish King Carl Gustaf said the prince “has been a great friend of our family for many years, a very special relationship”.
Swedish royal family spokeswoman Margareta Thorgren told the BBC that the king and Duke had sailed together in England, adding: “That was the beginning of a great friendship between them.”
The Dutch royal family said they remembered Prince Philip with great respect, adding: “His lively personality made an indelible impression.”
Belgian King Philippe said he and Queen Mathilde “will always cherish the memories of our warm reunion”.
‘The Pillar Of the Queen’
The honors also came in from the Commonwealth – 54 nations, most of which have roots in the British Empire and home to 2.4 billion people.
Flags were lowered to half-mast at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, where a 41-gun salute took place on Saturday, and at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where in 1954 Prince Philip arrived alongside the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth on the first visit by a reigning monarch to the country.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern noted that thousands of young people had “completed life-changing challenges” through the duke’s Hillary Award.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the prime minister has “played a key role in the country’s social and economic development”.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Philip had been a “wise leader” and that his role in “developing relations between Pakistan and the UK will always be remembered”.
And Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one who praised the lifelong commitment of the Prince to “many social programs”.
