HER Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, and the Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Stuart Barker, have both paid tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the announcement of his death today, Friday, April 9.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, said: "It is with very great sadness that we have heard of the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"It was in Devon as a young naval officer, training at Britannia Royal Naval College, that Prince Philip met and later married Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Not surprisingly therefore the County has been important to them both throughout their lives and since and they have visited us here many times.

"Prince Philip held many senior ranks and positions in his long life which included being the Lord High Steward of Plymouth, a post that he held from March 1960.

"He was also awarded an honorary degree from the University of Plymouth in 2012.

"Plymouth and nearby Bickleigh and Lympstone near Exeter, were regular destinations for him in the County until he retired from public duties in 2017.

"This is because His Royal Highness was the Captain General of the Royal Marines, a post he held for 64 years and in which capacity he visited many times, both publicly and in private.

"The Duke was also Colonel-in-Chief of successive Regiments that have made up The Rifles since 1953.

"Prince Philip was also the Patron and President of many of our county charities and they will all be very sad to hear of the news of his death.

"He had a particular interest in conservation of the environment, in scientific and technological research and in the encouragement of sport.

"He is perhaps best known however for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which he founded 64 years ago and which has become the world’s leading youth achievement award and is now in 140 countries around the world.

"He was a great man who contributed hugely to our Country and our County; a constant and loyal support to her Majesty and he did all this while demonstrating a genuine interest in people and with a wonderful sense of humour which was so often on display.

"We give thanks for a wonderful life. May he rest in peace."

The Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"On behalf of the people of the County of Devon, I convey that sadness and send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.

"Prince Philip visited Devon on many occasions, and we especially remember the visit with Her Majesty the Queen as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour.

"The Duke was much loved in Devon and admired across the country and the wider Commonwealth in the course of his public duties. His contribution and dedication in the service of the country, and his unwavering support to Her Majesty was, and will continue to be, an example to us all.”

BOOKS OF CONDOLENCE

The Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Les Cruwys, has issued the following statement: "On behalf of Mid Devon District Council I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the announcement, by Buckingham Palace, that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, has died.

"While most of us will never have met him, he touched many lives through his years of dedicated service to our nation. We should remember and reflect upon this service and show our gratitude for the work he carried out so tirelessly and so selflessly.

"As a mark of respect the Union flag at Phoenix House, Tiverton, will be flown at half-mast until the day after the funeral.

“I am aware that many of our residents will wish to pay their own respects to His Royal Highness. Precise details relating to books of condolence and tributes will be released as soon as details are confirmed nationally and at county level.”

COMMISSIONER PAYS TRIBUTE

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has also paid tribute to Prince Philip.

Alison Hernandez said: “My thoughts and sympathies today are with the Queen and the Royal family. We have grown up with Prince Philip and join the world in mourning his loss.

“His death will be felt particularly hard in the South West, where his lengthy role and exemplary service in the Royal Navy brought him so many admiring friends and acquaintances.

“On behalf of the people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly I will be writing to send my condolences to the royal household.”

Flags at police headquarters in Middlemoor, the Cornwall headquarters of Bodmin, as well as stations in Camborne, Truro, Charles Cross and Crownhill, are being flown at half-mast.

In Crediton, arrangements are being made by Crediton Town Council for the flag to be flown at half-mast on the town flagpole.

Crediton Courier Editorial Manager Alan Quick recalled his memories of meeting Prince Philip and attending the Duke’s 80th birthday party.

Alan was the Secretary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for Exeter and Crediton for many years in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

Alan explained: “I met and shook hands with Prince Philip at a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation Ceremony at St James’s Palace in London in the 90s and talked with him about my voluntary work with the Award Scheme.

“He also spoke with all of the Devon D of E Award recipients and it was a really memorable occasion.

“I also attended a Garden Party for Duke of Edinburgh Award participants and their families at Buckingham Palace in the 90s at which he and many other members of the Royal Family and VIPs were present.

“In 2001 I was fortunate enough to attend Prince Philip’s 80th birthday party at the Royal Albert Hall, which was a really lovely occasion.

“In my early life I worked part-time for Devon County Council in administration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the Devon Young Farmers' at offices in Exeter and Moretonhampstead.

“In my work for the “Crediton Courier” I have photographed the Duke of Edinburgh at events in the past in the County.

“I would like to send my deep condolences to the Queen and the Royal family and all who mourn his loss.

“His service to young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme has been immeasurable.”

• Do you have memories of Prince Philip? Have you ever met Prince Philip or have photographs of him you would like to share with fellow “Courier” readers?

If so, please email: [email protected] .