President Joe Biden has praised Prince Philip for his “decades of devoted public service” after he passed away peacefully on Friday morning (09.04.21).
The US president and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, released a statement in memory of the 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II after his passing, where they spoke fondly of the “legacy” the royal will leave.
Biden’s statement read: “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.
“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. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavours he shaped.”
The 78-year-old politician went on to reach out to Philip’s family, whom he said he is keeping “in [his] heart” while they process the sad news.
He added: “Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also issued a statement following Philip’s passing, where he praised the royal for inspiring “countless young people” around the world.
He said: “He was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.
“With his Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.
“We remember the duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen.
“Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her ‘strength and stay’, of more than 70 years.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal’s passing in a statement, with the announcement coming a few weeks after he was hospitalised with an infection and a heart condition.
The statement said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“Further announcements will made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”