Tributes are continuing to pour in from across Cumbria after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
The Royal Family announced the death of the 99-year-old Prince yesterday.
Cumbria County Council
A number of flags located around the county will be flown at half-mast until 8am on the day following the ceremonial funeral.
In a warm and heartfelt tribute HM Lord-Lieutenant for Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman said: “This is a day of great sadness as we mourn the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip, until his retirement from most public engagements at the remarkable age of 99, was the mainstay of our Royal Family and we can be very grateful for his enduring and positive influence on our national life.
“Perhaps he will be best remembered for the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme’, something he started in 1956 and which has gone from strength to strength and stood the test of time. It is a scheme that has enriched young people’s lives all over the world that is known and respected by millions, and with which he always maintained a very close involvement.
“The Duke was well known to us locally here in Cumbria: a keen carriage driver, he was a regular competitor in our county. His list of patronages also extends to a number of Cumbrian organisations, particularly the two Outward Bound Trust centres, which he visited regularly.
“The Duke will be greatly missed and our thoughts and sympathy are with Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family at this difficult and painful time.”
Chairwoman of Cumbria County Council, Christine Bowditch said: “This is a day for national mourning as we come to terms with the death of Prince Philip. Our thoughts are of course with HM Queen Elizabeth, who has long been supported and cared for by this most loyal and supportive of husbands: a man who showed her, and our country, unswerving commitment.
“She was able to count on his companionship throughout all and it is thanks to this union that we have seen years of steady and dedicated leadership from our Monarch. The Duke will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with all those that had the pleasure to know him.”
Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council added: “This is indeed a sad day and a day of national, and international mourning.
“The Duke’s dedication and steadfastness to the country leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten. I want to pass on my sympathy, and the sympathy of Cumbria, to The Royal family whom we must also think of at this time of great personal loss”.
Copeland
Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, said: “I am saddened at today’s news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.
“The Duke of Edinburgh gave a lifetime of loyal and selfless service to the Queen and this country, and his lasting legacy will be felt for generations.
“He was an extraordinary public servant and the outpouring of grief today truly demonstrates the positive impact he had on so many lives.”
Charles Maudling, chairman of Copeland Borough Council, said: “Copeland joins the rest of the country, and indeed the world, in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
“We extend our sympathy to the Queen and The Royal Family for their loss.”
Eden
The flag at the Town Hall in Penrith will be flown at half-mast until after the funeral, to mark the period of national mourning and sadness.
Chairman of Eden District Council, Andrew Connell, said, “On behalf of the people of Eden I respectfully pay tribute to Prince Philip’s long life of service to the United Kingdom. He carried out his duties with exemplary diligence and a characteristic sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family in their sad loss.”
Leader of Eden District Council, Virginia Taylor, said, “I wish to express my gratitude, and that of Eden District Council, to the Duke of Edinburgh for his tireless public service in its extraordinary length.
“A veteran of World War Two, he dedicated himself as a young man to accompany Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in her life of service to us all. He conducted himself with dignity, selflessness and distinction.
“Many of us around Eden will remember his carriage driving too; I am pleased we could offer him some recreation here and have that connection to remember.
“The condolences of all officers and members go to Her Majesty and the Royal Family, in their sad loss.”
South Lakeland
A number of flags located in the South Lakeland area will be flown at half-mast.
Residents should take care to adhere to social distancing and COVID restrictions if laying floral tributes. In South Lakeland, approved locations to lay flowers are:
· Queen’s Park, Windermere – Greenspace opposite the children’s play area
· Coronation Hall, Ulverston – Pavement area to the front of Coronation Hall
· Rothay Park Ambleside – South of the children’s play area
· The Glebe, Bowness – Around the bandstand
· Kendal Parish Church – Greenspace to the front of the church
· Kendal Abbott Hall – Green to the front of Abbot Hall
It is preferred that no plastics, such as cellophane wrappers, be left with the flowers, if possible.
Stephen Coleman, chairman of South Lakeland District Council, led the tributes, saying: “This is indeed a sad day and a day of national, and international mourning.
“I want to pass on my sympathy, and the sympathy of the district of South Lakeland, to The Royal Family who we must also think of at this time of great personal loss.
“The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen were frequent visitors to Cumbria and it was always our great pleasure to welcome them whenever they came to South Lakeland.’’
Giles Archibald, leader of South Lakeland District Council, added: “South Lakeland joins the rest of the country, and the world, in remembering His Royal Highness Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh. Our sympathy goes out to Her Majesty The Queen and her family for their personal loss.
“The Duke of Edinburgh will always have a very special place in the hearts and minds of the people of South Lakeland.’’
Allerdale
Flags at Allerdale Borough Council’s offices in Workington are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for the Duke.
Hilary Harrington, mayor of Allerdale Borough Council, said: “This is a day of national mourning for the death of Prince Philip and on behalf of the people of Allerdale I send my thoughts and prayers to the Duke’s family and especially HM Queen Elizabeth II, who he has been such a supportive companion and loyal husband to.
“I had the pleasure of meeting up with Prince Philip around 60 years ago when he visited my place of work, and he was a truly charming gentleman. The Duke served our nation, and the Commonwealth with pride, but he was also a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and I’m sure the Duke will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”
Mike Johnson, leader of Allerdale Borough Council, added: “This is a sad day for the nation. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was very supportive of Cumbria. He was a regular visitor, and I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Lowther Show almost 20 years ago now.
“A highly respected gentleman, Prince Philip showed unswerving service and commitment to our country, especially in his support for the scheme, which bears his name, that has enriched the lives of millions of young people around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke’s family at this sad time.”
More details on the funeral arrangements and the books of condolence can be found on the Cumbria County Council website.
- Have you met Prince Philip while he was visiting the county? We’d love to share your photos and memories. Please email [email protected]
Carlisle
Following the announcement of the death of HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, the Mayor of Carlisle, Marilyn Bowman and the Leader of Carlisle City Council, John Mallinson have made tributes.
The Mayor of Carlisle, Marilyn Bowman said: “This is sad news. As Carlisle’s First Citizen I would like to pass on the city’s condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.
“The Duke, alongside Her Majesty the Queen visited Carlisle on a number of occasions. He will be greatly missed.”
As a mark of respect, a Union Flag will be flown at half-mast outside the Civic Centre and the Carlisle Tourist Information Centre until 8am on the day following the ceremonial funeral.
The Leader of Carlisle City Council, John Mallinson added: “As we enter a period of national mourning, I would like to pass on my personal condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family.
“The Duke was a loyal companion to HM Queen Elizabeth and served the nation for decades. He will be sadly missed.”