Prime Minister Scott Morrison has paid tribute to Prince Philip’s life of “duty and of service” and extended the sympathies of Australia to Queen Elizabeth.
“On behalf of the Australian people, and the Australian government, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty and the royal family to the passing of the Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Duke’s life was one of the duty and of service, of loyalty and honour. Memories of him will of course tell stories of his candour, and a unique and forceful and authentic personality. But above all, he was a man who was steadfast, who could be relied upon, always standing by his Queen.”
Flags across the country are flying at half mast and later today, there will be a 41-gun salute outside Parliament House, as Australia marks Prince Philip’s death.
Mr Morrison will sign the Governor-General’s official condolence book and plans to attend a service at St Andrew’s Church tomorrow.
Leading the tributes, he said the Prince’s life could be summed up as one of duty, service and “steadfast loyalty”.
“There are many towering figures that the world has lost and known, but few have been before us in our lifetimes for such a long time,” he said.
“His presence and service a reassurance, a reminder of the stability we so often need to a world that can be so uncertain.
“With his passing, we say farewell to another of the greatest generation.”
In his message to the Queen, the Prime Minister said the Commonwealth would “be your strength”.
“She has been there for us over such a long time. Let us be there now for you, your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I am sure, one of your most sad of days,” Mr Morrison said.
Prince Philip made more than 20 visits to Australia — more than any other Royal — first as a British Naval officer during World War II and perhaps most notably in 1956 when he opened the Melbourne Olympic Games.
As the patron of more than 50 organisations, he maintained a strong connection with Australia and his legacy will live on through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Mr Morrison said he would outline further details about how Australia will honour Prince Philip in coming days but in the meantime, Australians can express their condolences via the website pmc.gov.au.
-more to come
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