‘Farewell to the Queen’s shadow’: The world’s media unites in grief as the Duke of Edinburgh is mourned around the globe
The world’s media has paid tribute to Prince Philip today after it was announced the Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99.
Newspapers across the globe – from Europe to the USA, Australia and Asia – all ran the news on their front pages as a fitting tribute to a man whose life and legacy meant so much to so many.
German newspaper Bild paid tribute to him as ‘the Queen’s greatest support’ while Italy‘s La Repubblica referred to him as ‘the Queen’s shadow’.
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf also paid tribute, calling Philip ‘a good friend of our family [and] a friendship we have placed great value on.’
‘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,’ he added.
News of Philip’s passing made its way around the world after Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Friday afternoon saying that Prince Philip had died ‘peacefully’ that morning at Windsor Castle.
The duke had spent his final days at Windsor with his wife after a 28-night stay in hospital having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.
Her Majesty announced her husband’s death at midday. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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’.
His death plunges the nation and the Royal Family into mourning, and brings to an end Philip’s lifetime of service to Britain and to Elizabeth, the Queen who adored him since her teens.
Her Majesty is now expected to enter an eight-day period of mourning. She will not carry out any duties, even in private, while laws will not be given the Royal Assent and affairs of state will also be paused.
A further period of official Royal Mourning is expected to continue for 30 days.
Officials at Buckingham Palace are now preparing for a royal ceremonial funeral at Windsor Castle in Berkshire in keeping with Philip’s wishes, with a military procession also expected in London – Covid laws permitting.
