Prince Philip: Public buildings in West Sussex lower flags to half-mast

The flags on public buildings in West Sussex have been lowered to half-mast, as West Sussex County Council has joined the nation in mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon (April 9).
Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh reacts as he talks with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Windsor, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston (Photo by STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) SUS-210904-131933001Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh reacts as he talks with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Windsor, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston (Photo by STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) SUS-210904-131933001
Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh reacts as he talks with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Windsor, west of London, on May 18, 2019, after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston (Photo by STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) SUS-210904-131933001

The Royal family announced just after 12pm that His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

West Sussex County Council chairman, Cllr Janet Duncton, said: “His Royal Highness was a constant presence by the side of his wife, Her Majesty The Queen, for 73 years. He was a great ambassador for the nation, accompanying the Queen on more than 250 foreign trips. At home he supported many good causes but is probably most fondly remembered for founding the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, enjoyed by many young people in West Sussex. His Royal Highness will be greatly missed and I am sure many people in the county will want to pay their respects.”

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This comes as Mrs Susan Pyper, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, paid tribute to His Royal Highness.

Born on 10 June 1921 in Corfu, Greece, His Royal Highness moved to the UK when he was a child.

The Prince, as he then was, and the then Princess Elizabeth first met in 1934, and over the years corresponded frequently before marrying on 20 November 1947, following a five month formal engagement.

The couple had four children – The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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His Royal Highness accompanied Her Majesty on a number of her visits to West Sussex, including Chichester, Burgess Hill, the South of England Show, Christ’s Hospital, Horsham and Crawley.

Chichester's County HallChichester's County Hall
Chichester's County Hall

An online book of condolence has been opened on Buckingham Palace’s website: www.royal.uk

Residents who do not have online access can send a message of condolence to the Chairman’s Office, Room 102, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1RQ.

Because of the current COVID-19 guidance and restrictions, people are urged to please avoid gathering in public places: for example, rather than laying flowers in a public area, they may wish to display a floral tribute at home.