Prince Philip’s royal patronages have paid tribute to his ‘dedicated’ services and told how he will be ‘sadly missed.’
It comes after the Queen today announced with ‘deep sorrow’ the death of her husband at the age of 99, her ‘strength and guide’ throughout their 73-year marriage and her 69-year reign.
Taking to social media, many of the 800 charities and organisations that he was Patron of all expressed their deepest condolences – including Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Shakespeare’s Globe.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which Prince Philip founded in 1956, paid a touching tribute to the royal on its website which read: ‘It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Founder and Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, he will be sadly missed.
The DofE has become one of The Duke’s most remarkable achievements, equipping and empowering young people from all communities to build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to make the most out of life.’
The website also noted: ‘A space will be available shortly to share your DofE memories.’
Prince Philip’s royal patronages have paid tribute to his ‘dedicated’ services and told how he will be ‘sadly missed.’ Pictured, hosting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gold award presentations at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down on May 25, 2017
A tribute on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards website (pictured), which Prince Philip founded in 1956, read: ‘It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Founder and Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, he will be sadly missed
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of the Shakespeare Globe Trust, attend a special celebratory performance to mark the opening of the Globe Theatre in London Thursday June 12 1997
Taking to social media, a spokesperson for Shakespeare’s Globe penned: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear that HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away’ (pictured)
Elsewhere, others took to social media to pay their respects to Prince Philip for his services.
A spokesperson for Shakespeare’s Globe penned: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear that HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away.
‘Prince Philip served as our Patron for over 40 years. His support for our founder Sam Wanamaker was integral to building the Globe Theatre and later, opening the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.’
Another Tweet from Pentathlon GB commented how the team ‘are greatly saddened by the passing of our royal patron Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.’
It continued: ‘The Duke was an active supporter of sport, and all at Pentathlon GB felt most fortunate to have had him as patron since 1958.’
A spokesperson for the Chartered College of Teaching praised Prince Philip for being ‘a true supporter of our profession’ – adding: ‘We shall miss him.’
It wasn’t long before there was an outpouring of messages of condolences from many of the 800 charities and organisations of which he was Patron (pictured)
Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, also released a statement saying Prince Philip had been a ‘precious asset in the fight against muscle-wasting conditions.’
His Royal Highness became Royal Patron of Muscular Dystrophy UK in 1966 and hosted a special event at Buckingham Palace in 2016 to celebrate 50 years of MDUK.
She commented: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip.
‘His dedicated patronage for so many years has been a precious asset in the fight against muscle-wasting conditions. Prince Philip had the kindness and foresight to lend his backing to a charity focused on what were then little known, poorly understood conditions.’
‘The Duke’s backing remained an immense encouragement throughout his patronage, most recently hosting an event in 2016 at St James’s Palace.
‘Through the decades, Prince Philip has helped to raise awareness and promote understanding of this vitally important cause.’
Taking to social media, one person penned: Prince Philip as Patron of the Chartered College of Teaching was a true supported of our prodession. We shall miss him’ (pictured)
He met with a great many people and families who were encouraged by his understanding of their condition – not only the physical challenges they faced, but the emotional challenges for them and their families too.
‘He was also aware of the barriers that needed to be overcome to enable them to live well with muscular dystrophy. These moments and memories of his wholehearted support will be cherished for many years to come.
‘Muscular Dystrophy UK will remain forever grateful to our Patron, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.’
The British Heart Foundation also took to Twitter and told how they were ‘deeply saddened’ to hear that their Patron had died today.
They added ‘Prince Philip was an unwavering advocate for our work and for the power of research to save and improve lives.’
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, commented: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the death of our patron, Prince Philip HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, and offer our condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
‘Prince Philip offered steadfast support to the BHF for nearly 60 years and was a remarkable advocate for the power of research to save and improve lives from heart and circulatory diseases.
‘Prince Philip’s role as our patron was one aspect of a life characterised by support for good causes and devotion to public service. His contribution will forever be remembered.’
Towards the end of Prince Philip’s life, his advancing years were acknowledged by him stepping down as president or patron of more than a dozen organisations ahead of his 90th birthday.
The Duke of Edinburgh spent his final days at Windsor Castle 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 as the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast outside Buckingham Palace and on public buildings across the UK and Commonwealth.
The Royal Family 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’.