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World Leaders And Famous Figures Respond To Prince Philip's Death

World Leaders And Famous Figures Respond To Prince Philip's Death

The royal consort passed away at age 99.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip (Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

Royal watchers and public figures around the world are reacting to the news of Prince Philip's death. The Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years passed away at age 99 this morning (Friday, April 9), Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Related article: Prince Philip’s Royal Life in Photos

"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," the palace said in a statement. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Related article: Prince Philip Went To The Hospital Following Car Accident, Buckingham Palace Reveals

The longtime royal consort is survived by the sovereign, 94, four children including Prince Charles, eight grandchildren including Princes William and Harry, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Notes of support poured in on Twitter, as well as other mediums, from celebrities, world leaders, and concerned private individuals alike. See some of their messages and statements below.

Related article: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Honour Prince Philip on the Archewell Website

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

Both President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a joint statement commemorating the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh," began the President's message. "Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family."

The statement continued with the president acknowledging Prince Philip's life of service and extending his condolences to the rest of the royal family.

"The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped. Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time."

BARACK OBAMA

Former President Barack Obama wrote a touching tribute to Prince Philip on Instagram, where he posted a photo of himself and the late duke along with Queen Elizabeth II and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

"When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect," Obama began the note. "We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly."

Obama also acknowledged Prince Philip's service to his country and his duty to his wife. "At the Queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman," he wrote. "Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater."

BORIS JOHNSON

The U.K. prime minister released a statement dedicated to the late duke following news of his passing.

"By any measure, Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life — as a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and, above all, as Her Majesty The Queen's loyal consort," read the statement. "Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and her family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather."

Johnson's note concluded, "We are a kingdom united both in grief and gratitude; grief at Prince Philip's passing, and gratitude for his decades of selfless service to the country."

JUSTIN TRUDEAU

Canada's prime minister also paid tribute to Prince Philip on Twitter.

"It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today. A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country - and the world," he wrote. "Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of all Canadians are with her and the entire Royal Family as they mourn this significant loss."

KING PHILIPPE AND QUEEN MATHILDE

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium sent their condolences to Queen Elizabeth on the platform.

"Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the statement read. "We wish to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, the British Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. Philippe and Mathilde"

KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER, QUEEN MÁXIMA, AND PRINCESS BEATRIX

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix of the Royal House of the Netherlands honored the late Duke of Edinburgh in a statement.

"It is with great respect that we remember His Royal Highness Prince Philip," the post to Twitter read. "Throughout his long life, he committed himself with dedication to the British people and to his many duties and responsibilities. His lively personality never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all the members of the Royal Family."

KING CARL XVI GUSTAF

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden released a statement in response to Philip's death.

"The Queen and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh," the royal said. "Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued. His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all. We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom."

KING HARALD

King Harald of Norway released a statement sending his condolences to Queen Elizabeth.

"Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and the rest of her family. We also send our condolences to the British people," the monarch said in the statement.

QUEEN MARGRETHE II

Queen Margrethe of Denmark sent her personal condolences to Queen Elizabeth, according to a statement released by The Royal House.

NICOLA STURGEON

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, wrote on Twitter, "I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family."

MARK DRAKEFORD

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said on Twitter that he was "incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh."

His tribute continued, "He served the crown with selfless devotion and will be sorely missed by the people of Wales and the many organisations he supported."

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US

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