Police leaders join nation in mourning death of the Duke of Edinburgh

The chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “entire police family joins the nation in mourning this sad news”.

Martin Hewitt added: “It is with profound sorrow that we learn of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. We offer our solemn and sincere condolences to the Royal Family and pay tribute to the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.”

A statement released by Buckingham Palace just after midday said: “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.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Prince Philip, aged 99, was the longest-serving consort in British history and was married to The Queen for more than 70 years.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh and had sent a “personal letter of condolence” to The Queen.

He said: “The PFEW represents almost 130,000 police officers. They are servants of the Crown so, on behalf of our membership and the PFEW, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen, and the extended Royal Family who will be grieving this sad loss.

“The flags at our headquarters have been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to His Royal Highness, and I have sent a personal letter of condolence to Her Majesty The Queen.

“May Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, rest in peace.”

Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “Today the Metropolitan Police Service and I join the nation in mourning following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

“I send my deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the entire Royal Family, as well as all those affected personally by his death.

“Prince Philip undertook his unique role as Consort to The Queen with a constant strength and loyalty, and a dedication to duty that is an inspiration to us all.

“Among his many contributions to British society was the founding of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which has helped millions of young people achieve their potential, including many of our cadets.

“Throughout his life, Prince Philip has been a great supporter of the Met, the policing family and the wider emergency services. Many Met colleagues will have worked closely with him during their service across many decades.

“His legacy is a lifetime of public service that commands respect across policing.”

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “It is with great sadness that we have today learned of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness spent many days in Scotland, particularly at Balmoral, and met many people at functions in Aberdeenshire and across Scotland.

“Whether at the side of Her Majesty The Queen or making his own visits to organisations, his interest in and support of those who serve Scotland and our communities was clear to everyone.

“We will be taking time to pay our respects over the coming days.”

In a statement, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “My deepest condolences to HM The Queen following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was a truly dedicated public servant. He devoted his life to our great nation through his service in the Royal Navy and in support of Her Majesty during her long reign.

“I join the rest of the nation in mourning his passing and remembering a great man.”

Paul Griffiths, president of the Police Superintendents’ Association, said they were “incredibly sad to hear of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh”.

“This is an extremely sad day for our country and the commonwealth, and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time,” he tweeted.