A simple statement from the Royal household yesterday announced the death of The Duke of Edinburgh: “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.” 

Tributes immediately started pouring in with Hastings Mayor, Councillor Nigel Sinden saying: “I want to pass on my sincere condolences to the Queen on behalf of Hastings Borough Council and all of the people of Hastings. I am greatly saddened at Prince Philip’s death.

“We are asking anyone who wants to lay a floral tribute to do so at the war memorial in Alexandra Park.

“Because of Covid a physical book of remembrance is not possible, and we are inviting residents who want to leave an online message to do so on our website www.hastings.gov.ukwhere a virtual book of condolence is being set up.”

The Mayor wearing a black armband and a black rosette and with his mayoral badge shrouded, laid a bunch of red roses at the town’s war memorial in Alexandra Park. The town hall flag is flying at half mast and other flags have been removed.

 

Hastings and Rye MP Sally-Ann Hart said: “HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, was a remarkable man, a true patriot, who served his country in war and peace for many decades.

“His was a life devoted to service, duty, the country and Commonwealth, and in supporting her Majesty The Queen as the longest serving Consort to a Monarch.

“As a nation we have been blessed and honoured to have such a servant of the British people and the Commonwealth. His was a life lived to the fullest, providing Her Majesty and the country with the support, devotion and good humour that was always needed.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as we come together as a nation to mourn.May HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, rest in peace.”

The Reverend Paul Hunt also issued a statement:” The parish of St Clement and All Saints notes with great sadness the death of Prince Philip.

“The National Anthem will be played before the 10am service on Sunday morning.

“St Clements Church will be open as usual on Saturday morning between 11.30am and 1.30pm and each day next week between noon and 1pm.

“We are not allowed by law to open a book of condolence. The online book of condolence may be found at  Condolence book for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, opens online | The Church of England“

A statement from East Sussex County Council said: “Our Chairman is writing to HM The Queen with his sincere condolences at the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. He has been a constant support and companion to Her Majesty and has touched the hearts of many in East Sussex. The Union flag at County Hall has been lowered to half-mast.”