03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Buckingham Palace announces the death of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh

BUCKINGHAM Palace has announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh.

Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Many in Wales would have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, which gave young people across the U.K an opportunity to volunteer and take part in expeditions.

He was a frequent visitor to Wales accompanying the Queen from the 1950’s onwards he was a prominent figure at some of the major events in Welsh life. He met with miners and  families of the Aberfan disaster.

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied the Queen in Swansea during her two-day Coronation tour of Wales.

He opened the Senedd and served as Chancellor of the University of Wales.

The Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to Carmarthen

One of his lesser know roles was as patron of the National Playing Fields Association, which brought play facilities to many deprived communities.

Over the last nine decades the association has protected over 2,800 parks and green spaces across the UK in perpetuity.

During his long and committed service HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was involved in every aspect of the organisation. As well as regularly working in the office he attended opening ceremonies of protected parks and playing fields, played in many fundraising cricket matches and hosted charity galas.
In 1954, he was awarded the Freedom of Cardiff  an honour bestowed on fewer than 100 people and organisations since its inception in 1886.

The Duke also served in the Second World War.

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has expressed his sadness on the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and offered condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family on behalf of the Welsh Government.

He said:

“It is with sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.

We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, his children and their families on this sad occasion.

He will be missed by the many organisations that he supported as Patron or President over many decades of service”.

 

Responding to the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS said,

“On behalf of Plaid Cymru I send my sincerest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and her family on the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

“For over six decades many young people in Wales will have experienced and benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, a reflection of the Duke’s many decades of public service.

“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.

 

 

Chief Constable of British Transport Police, Lucy D’Orsi, said:

“It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, this morning.

“At British Transport Police, we’ve been proud to take responsibility for the policing of the Royal Train throughout its history.

“Over those years, frontline officers have been honoured to assist as the Royal family went about their duties across England, Scotland and Wales.

“On each of those occasions, officers unanimously found the Duke of Edinburgh to be a warm and friendly man who always took the time to say thank you or share a small joke with officers on duty. He will be sorely missed.

“From everyone at BTP, our thoughts and prayers go to the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

 

THE Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council is writing to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family expressing the county’s great sadness following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Cllr Ieuan Davies will express deepest sympathies on behalf of members, staff and residents following today’s announcement from Buckingham Palace.

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Carmarthen’s County Hall, Llanelli Town Hall and Ammanford Town Hall as a mark of respect.

Further information about events will be shared on the council’s website www.carmarthenshire.wales and social media feeds.

The Duke of Edinburgh last visited Carmarthenshire in April 2010, to officially open an all-weather Village Games Court in Bancyfelin, in his official capacity as President of Fields In Trust.

He had arrived aboard the Royal Sovereign and was greeted by children of Llangunnor School at Carmarthen Railway Station before travelling to Bancyfelin.

In June 2002, The Duke accompanied HM The Queen on a visit to Llanelli and Burry Port as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK.

 

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds has paid tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh saying:

“I extend my sympathies to The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family following this announcement.

“HRH The Duke of Edinburgh gave a lifetime of duty and service not only to the Queen but to our country. He dedicated his life to many worthy causes and for that the nation should be forever  thankful.”

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