Leaders mourn Prince Philip’s death

LONDON: Current and former world leaders joined a chorus of condolences from around the world following the death of Prince Philip on Friday at the age of 99.

END OF AN ERA In this June 2, 1953 file photo, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth 2nd and her husband, Prince Philip, then 31, the Duke of Edinburgh, wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the Queen’s coronation at Westminster Abbey. Prince Philip died at 99 April 9, 2021. AP PHOTO

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Philip’s “extraordinary life,” sending his condolences to Queen Elizabeth after her husband’s death was announced.

Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh “earned the affection of generations” at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world.

“We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” he added.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair hailed Philip’s public service, calling him “a man of foresight, determination and courage.” US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Philip as a selfless servant of Britain and its people.

“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,” Biden said in a statement.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was “saddened” by Philip’s death, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom.”

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast after the passing of Philip, who he said “embodied a generation that we will never see again.”

“The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip,” said the leader of the Commonwealth nation.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium tweeted that they were “deeply saddened” by Philip’s death. “We wish to express our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, the British Royal Family, as well as to the people of the United Kingdom.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Philip a “a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others,” in a tribute on behalf of his Commonwealth nation. He will be “fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen,” he said.