Mayor of Burgess Hill pays tribute to Prince Philip

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle, it was announced at lunchtime.

Roger Cartwright said: “I am sure I speak for the whole of Burgess Hill when I say how sad we were to hear today of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“It is often said that behind every great man there is a woman but we all know that with our own dear Queen, behind a great woman there has been a great man,” he added.

“A man who became the longest serving Consort to the longest serving Queen. A man with a distinguished naval career established in the Second World War. A man who helped our Queen steer the successful course of her monarchy.”

Roger said that Prince Philip had a sharp sense of humour and the endearing quality of being able to laugh at himself.

“As our beloved Queen will surely miss his love and support, I am sure we will all miss his distinctive character and charm,” Roger added.

“All our lives will be the poorer for his loss.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the Queen and her family to whom we send our sincere condolences.”

Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects to Prince Philip by placing flowers at the War Memorial Garden in Church Walk.

Residents are invited to sign an online e-Book of condolence, which will be available soon at www.royal.uk.