Hemel Hempstead MP and Hertfordshire County Council pay tribute to Prince Philip

Hertfordshire County Council has paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh who died, aged 99.

Buckingham Palace has today (9 April) announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip, was married to Queen Elizabeth II and was the longest-serving consort in British history.

The Palace confirmed in a statement that he passed away peacefully on Friday (9 April) morning at Windsor Castle.

He had recently spent a month-long stay in hospital after receiving care for an infection, and later underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition, but was reunited with the Queen in mid-March following the successful procedure.

The Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“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.”

A statement issued by the county council says: "The councillors and officers of Hertfordshire County Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time."

Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Chairman of the County Council, said: “On behalf of the county council and the people of Hertfordshire, I would like to express our condolence and gratitude for the lifetime of service given by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh."

The MP for Hemel Hempstead, Sir Mike Penning, also paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

He said: “I am very saddened to learn of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh today.

“The Duke of Edinburgh has been at HM the Queen's side for the whole of my life and has devoted his entire adult life to the service of our country and the Commonwealth, both in the Royal Navy in the Second World War and as consort to the Queen.

“He had a very direct impact on so many young people through his inspired leadership of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and on the world through his long-term support of the World Wildlife Fund.

“On the few occasions when I had the privilege to meet him he was generous and entertaining.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and her family.”

Read: Boris Johnson pays tribute to Duke of EdinburghHer Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ added: "It with great sadness that we learn of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness devoted his life to serving Her Majesty and this country and his sense of duty was unfailing.

"He is often remembered for his wit and sense of humour and fun but he never wavered in his support of The Queen and the many charities and other organisations which he supported

including of course The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

"He had a long-standing connection with Hertfordshire and was seen in the county on numerous occasions-most recently when he opened the Science Building at the University in 2017.

"We should all be immensely thankful for his lifetime of faithful and devoted service to this country.

"On behalf of the people of Hertfordshire I send my sincerest condolences to Her Majesty and members of The Royal Family."