“At the Queen’s side or two steps behind,” wrote former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, “Prince Philip showed the world what it means to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman.”
Posted on April 9, 2021 at 2:38 pm ET
President Joe Biden is among the world’s leading figures who paid tribute to Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, following news of Philip’s death on Friday morning.
In a statement, the Royal Family Bidens expressed their “deepest condolences” and paid tribute to the incredible life of the Duke of Edinburgh, which spanned just a few months ago a century.
“In the course of his 99 years of life, he has seen our world change dramatically and repeatedly,” said Joe and Jill Biden. “From his service during World War II to his 73 years at the Queen’s side, to all of his life in public, Prince Philip was happy to devote himself to the people of Great Britain, the Commonwealth and his family.”
Prince Philip’s legacy will live on not only through his family but also through all of the charitable endeavors he has shaped. Jill and I keep in our hearts the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.
15:33 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @POTUS
Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump also paid tribute to Prince Philip.
In his statement, Trump praised the prince for “his exceptional example of service, persistence and patriotism” and recognized his military career as part of the Royal Navy.
“Over the past few years Melania and I have had the privilege of having the opportunity to visit the UK. We have seen firsthand how the monarchy embodies and perpetuates the virtues of the British people – and no one has done this more than Prince Philip, “said Trump.
The Obamas remembered Prince Philip as “kind and warm-hearted, sharp-witted and impeccably good-humored.”
Their joint statement referred to a memory of their first meeting with the royal couple in 2009.
John Stillwell / Getty Images
“As two Americans not used to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately reassured us with their grace and generosity and made something much more natural and even more comfortable out of a ceremonial occasion, ”they wrote.
“At the Queen’s side or behind the usual two-step,” said the Obamas, “Prince Philip showed the world what it means to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman.”
Former US President George Bush also issued a statement that both he and his wife Laura were “sad” to hear of Prince Philip’s death.
“Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company and we know how much he is missed,” said Bush. “We join people around the world in offering our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to the entire Royal Family.”
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared on the front steps of 10 Downing Street to honor Philip with a speech to the nation.
“Like the seasoned coachman he was, he helped steer the royal family and monarchy so that it remains an institution that is indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national lives,” said Johnson.
The Prime Minister urged Britain to extend good wishes and support to the royal family, who have lost “a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great-grandfather”.
Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and David Cameron were also among the condolences.
May said the 99-year-old received “extraordinary gratitude” for his life in service to the Queen and the country, while Cameron described his death as “desperately sad news”.
Around the world, other leaders paid tribute to Prince Philip, including Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, where the Queen is also Head of State.
“A family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” Trudeau said in a statement. “The thoughts of Canadians are with Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the royal family as they mourn such a significant loss.”
Prince Philip was the patron saint of more than 40 organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and the Outward Bound Trust.
His service earned him the First Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada, introduced by the Governor-General of Canada on his last visit to the country in 2013.
It was with deep sadness that I learned of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh today. Prince Philip, a man of great purpose and conviction, motivated by a sense of duty to others, contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world.
12:56 – April 9, 2021
Twitter: @JustinTrudeau
The Duke, born in 1921, is remembered by other royal families across Europe.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark posted a portrait of Prince Philip on Instagram, accompanied by a statement that she had expressed personal condolences to her British counterpart.
Prince Philip was a great-grandson of King Christian IX, who was King of Denmark from 1863 until his death in 1906.
King Harald V of Norway demanded that flags should be hoisted at half mast from his palace balcony on Friday and the day of Philip’s funeral. The news of Philip’s death was received with “great sadness,” said the monarch of Norweigan.
John Shelley Collection / Getty Images
King Carl XVl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 1983.
In Sweden, King Carl XVI. Gustaf said in a statement that both he and Queen Silvia were “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Prince Philip has been a good friend of our family for many years, a relationship we have cherished,” said the Swedish sovereign. “His service to his land will remain an inspiration to all of us.”
The Royal Family of the Netherlands – King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix – also issued a condolence letter in which they said that Prince Philip’s “lively personality always left an unforgettable impression”.
Here are some of the tribute leaders that other leaders have shared.
Irish President Michael Higgins:
“For over sixty years and as the husband of the longest-serving British monarch, Prince Philip served the British people with relentless dedication and duty.” Statement by President Higgins on the death of Prince Philip: https://t.co/KpvzZQvQUr
13:08 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @PresidentIRL
French President Emmanuel Macron:
I would like to extend my condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family and the people of Britain on the death of His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, who led an exemplary life marked by bravery, duty and commitment to the youth and youth Surroundings.
15:40 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @EmmanuelMacron
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland:
My wife @elizajreid and I extend our condolences to Her Majesty, the Queen Elizabeth II, The @RoyalFamily and the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The people of Iceland have fond memories of HRH Prince Philip’s visits to this country.
12:17 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @PresidentISL
Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan:
The people of Bhutan and I offer prayers and condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our prayers and thoughts go with Her Majesty and the @RoyalFamily.
11:31 am – 09 April 2021
Twitter: @PMBhutan
Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan:
My condolences on the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Britain has lost a wise elder who was imbued with a unique spirit of public service. His role in promoting relations between Pakistan and Britain will always be remembered.
13:56 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @ImranKhanPTI
Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of Greece
The Corfu-born Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, served his country with devotion for decades. I would like to extend my condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, @RoyalFamily members and the British people.
14:12 – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @PresidencyGR
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
My thoughts go with the British people and the Royal Family on the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had a notable career in the military and was at the forefront of many charitable initiatives. May his soul rest in peace.
11:48 am – 09 Apr 2021
Twitter: @narendramodi
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and the oldest bishop of the Church of England:
I mourn with the rest of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at the loss of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. https://t.co/nLYSBlmnHe
11:21 am – 09 April 2021
Twitter: @JustinWelby
