‘A Huge Loss’: World Leaders React to Death of Britain’s Prince Philip

Leaders around the world are sending their condolences to the Royal Family after Buckingham Palace announced the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Philip “earned the affection of generations here in Britain, across the Commonwealth and around the world.″

“Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life,″ Johnson said.

Former US President George Bush and his wife, Laura, offered condolences to the monarch and the entire royal family.

“He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign, ″ Bush said in a statement. “Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed.″

Australian PM Scott Morrison said in a statement that the duke had been a constant support to the Queen and had presided as patron of dozens of organisations in Australia.

“He embodied a generation that we will never see again,” Morrison said.

Swedish King Carl Gustaf said the duke had been “a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued”, while Netherland’s royal family said they remembered Prince Philip with great respect, adding: “He dedicated his long life to the service of the British people and to his many duties and responsibilities. His lively personality made an indelible impression.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also offered his condolences, saying that Prince Philip was the “consummate public servant” who “will be much missed in Israel and across the world.”

And Oman’s Sultan Haitham sent a message of condolence and sympathy to Queen Elizabeth II on the death of her husband, while King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain lauded the duke’s efforts “to serve the United Kingdom and its friendly people.”

Soon after the announcement of his death, people began to line up outside Buckingham Palace to see the official death notice that had been attached to the gate. The flag at the palace, the queen’s residence in London, was lowered to half-staff.

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