WELLINGTON COUNTY – Warden Kelly Linton has released a statement on the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The prince, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died on April 9 at the age of 99.
“On behalf of Wellington County Council, and the residents of Wellington County, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all members of the Royal Family, on the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” Warden Kelly Linton stated in a press release.
“Wellington County joins people around the world in mourning this great loss.”
Prince Philip, the longest-serving royal consort in British history, was born in Greece on June 10, 1921.
He served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and married the Queen in 1947. Together they had four children – Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward – as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
“It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh,” stated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“A man of great service to others – first as a decorated naval officer and later as a dedicated leader in the areas of community engagement and philanthropy – the Duke always sought out the best in people and challenged them to strive for greater heights.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stated the flags at all Ontario government buildings and establishments will be flown at half-mast until the day of the prince’s funeral or memorial service.
“On behalf of all Ontarians, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family,” stated Ford in a press release.
He added, “Prince Philip will be missed by many people across Ontario and around the world.
“During a global pandemic, we cannot gather to pay tribute to his life, but we will always remember the extraordinary impact he had in his nearly 100 years on this earth.”
The Duke of Edinburgh dedicated a large portion of his life to wildlife conservation, volunteerism and supporting young people.
More than 50 years ago, he established the Duke of Edinburgh Awards program in Canada, which has celebrated and encouraged service and excellence among young people across the country and around the world.
Prince Philip, who visited Canada more than any other other country, was made the first Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada in 2013.
He “maintained a special relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces” and over the years “became Colonel–in–Chief of six Canadian units,” stated Trudeau.
“In 2011, he was named honorary general of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as honorary admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.”
Trudeau called the Duke “a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others.”
He said the prince “will be fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen – a lifelong companion who was always at her side offering unfailing support as she carried out her duties.
“A family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.”
Trudeau concluded, “The thoughts of Canadians are with Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the Royal Family as they mourn such a significant loss.”
