Borderers pay tribute to Duke of Edinburgh

Tributes are being paid in the Borders following the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Thirlestane Castle, where the Queen and Prince Philip stayed during their visits to the Borders, flies at half staff this afternoon. Photo: Phil Wilkinson.Thirlestane Castle, where the Queen and Prince Philip stayed during their visits to the Borders, flies at half staff this afternoon. Photo: Phil Wilkinson.
Thirlestane Castle, where the Queen and Prince Philip stayed during their visits to the Borders, flies at half staff this afternoon. Photo: Phil Wilkinson.

The duke, husband to Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully, aged 99, at Windsor Castle this morning.

A statement from Buckingham Palace 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

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"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies the Queen and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon onboard the Union of South Africa train, on their way to Tweedbank in September 2015 to officially open the new Borders Railway.The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies the Queen and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon onboard the Union of South Africa train, on their way to Tweedbank in September 2015 to officially open the new Borders Railway.
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies the Queen and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon onboard the Union of South Africa train, on their way to Tweedbank in September 2015 to officially open the new Borders Railway.

The duke accompanied the queen on many of her visits to the Scottish Borders, including the day she travelled into the region by train to officially open the Borders Railway.

Scottish Borders Council has arranged for its flags to fly at half-staff on all council buildings as a mark of respect .

Councillor David Parker, Scottish Borders Council convener said: “Prince Philip enjoyed many public and private engagements in the Scottish Borders during his time as the Duke of Edinburgh.

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"He was particularly fond of Lauderdale, where he enjoyed the hospitality of the local community.

"The council is very sad to hear this news today, and offers Her Majesty the Queen and all her family our deepest sympathies and condolences at this time.”

Borders MP John Lamont tweeted: “Dreadfully sad news. The Nation has lost a dedicated servant. The Queen has lost her beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and the entire Royal Family.”

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has expressed sadness at Prince Philip's passing.

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He said: "He was a remarkable man who provided a tremendous support to Her Majesty the Queen and, like her, had a remarkable perspective on global events built up over many decades of public service.

"Prince Philip was a huge supporter of rural life and has been a regular visitor to my constituency, both accompanying the queen on official visits and during events at Drumlanrig Castle when pursuing his passion for horse-carriage driving.

"Amongst many interests, he was keen in encouraging young people to make the most of themselves and many locally have benefitted from participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes."

Mr Mundell added: "Prince Philip's sometimes mischievous personality and dry sense of humour, although occasionally controversial, also endeared him to many."

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Borderers have also paid tribute on our story on our social media page.

June Glancy wrote: "Rest in peace a great character Prince Philip.”

Jim Egan said: “Sad day, that was a royal you could admire, a real character.”

Frances Miller wrote: “Aww bless RIP Duke of Edinburgh, a true gentleman.”

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And Debbie Bott added: “Sincerest condolences to his friends and family. It is never easy to lose a loved one.”

Prince Philip, who was born in Corfu, Greece, on June 10, 1921, was the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and his mother was Princess Alice of Battenberg, hence giving him the title of 'Prince of Greece and Denmark'.

The duke became the longest serving British consort – in companion to the Sovereign – in 2009 and founded the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1956.

The palace announced in May 2017 that the duke had decided, with full support of the Queen, to officially retire from public duties.