Prince Philip: UK PM Boris Johnson pays heartwarming tribute

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday expressed the nation’s condolences to Queen Elizabeth II on the death of her husband Prince Philip, acclaiming his “extraordinary life and work”. The Duke of Edinburgh was aged 99, and had been married to the UK’s longest-serving monarch for more than seven decades.

‘He lived an extraordinary life’ – UK PM

Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh “earned the affection of generations” at home, in the Commonwealth, and across the world after serving in the Royal Navy and then over decades as Britain’s longest-serving royal consort.

“We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the prime minister said outside 10 Downing Street. He went on to praise the deceased royal for his inspirational work with youngsters, and saluted him for his ‘devotion and pride’ as a loving husband.

Boris Johnson pays tribute to Prince Philip

“By any measure, Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life – as a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and above all, as the Queen’s consort.”

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and the family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devotee husband and a proud, loving father and grandfather. We are a Kingdom United, both in grief and gratitude: Grief at Prince Philip’s passing, and gratitude for his decades of selfless service to the UK.”

What happens in the event of Prince Philip’s death?

The Queen will now enter an official eight-day period of personal mourning – which will be extended to 30 days for the rest of the United Kingdom. In the next month, Queen Elizabeth will not partake in any royal duties.

Several other major developments are expected to happen over the next few days – and you can read about them here.