HRH The Duke of Edinburgh — the maritime community pays tribute
Buckingham Palace announces the death of Prince Phillip.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen’s husband of 73 years, has died at the age of 99. In a statement shortly after midday, Buckingham Palace said: “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
Tributes to the Duke have already started to pour in from around the world, with many coming from the maritime and naval communities. He was a naval man, first and foremost, and was mentioned in despatches for his service in the battle of Cape Matapan and was a holder of the Greek War Cross of Valour for his participation in the Battle of Crete.
The Prince remained the Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy, until his death, and had he not given up his naval career following the death of the Queen’s father, George VI in 1952, he would in all likelihood have been made First Sea Lord.
The Duke was a patron of hundreds of charities, including the Seafarers’ Charity, and was a keen sailor all his life.
