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Islanders have reacted with sorrow to news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
Prince Philip, husband to the Queen of 74 years, passed away “peacefully” aged 99 this morning, according to Buckingham Palace.
Here’s how Channel Islanders have responded to the news…
“I am saddened to hear news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We know of course that he was receiving recent medical care but that cannot fully prepare one for the loss of such an important figure.
“Only a few amongst us are old enough to remember a time when he was not a significant part of the central life of the nation, supporting Her Majesty the Queen in her Royal duties, having retired from public duties only recently."
He continued: “He carried out those duties diligently and played an important role in national affairs and in the work of the monarchy. He was from that wartime generation that understood and exemplified duty and service and we remember with affection his numerous visits to Jersey. He was known for his forthright speech and sense of humour and he will I know be missed.
“We are grateful for his life of service and there will be time on the future to reflect on that. At this time, though, our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family in this time of loss and grief."
"It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Place has announced the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip was an outstanding man who served Her Majesty The Queen, The Nation and the people of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, The Crown Dependencies and the Commonwealth with distinction, energy and passion.
"His Royal Highness provided many charitable and vocational organisations, of which he was patron, with clear guidance, strong support and characteristic leadership. In particular, His own Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which he initiated as far back as 1956, continues to provide positive challenge, focus and adventure to many young people around the globe and is a very fine legacy of His character and commitment."
Turning to Prince Philip's visits to Jersey, he added: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited Jersey on many occasions, most recently in 2005 and clearly enjoyed meeting so many islanders on those visits. Today, on this sad occasion, our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the other members of the Royal Family."
“Ministers and officials across the Government of Jersey share the profound sadness felt by islanders at the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness has been steadfast and selfless in his support of Her Majesty The Queen throughout her reign, and visited our island on seven occasions, as well as acting as patron of several Jersey charities."
Senator Le Fondré continued: “Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme he has also helped to transform the lives of millions of young people over the past six decades. His service and commitment to charitable and community causes will be sorely missed.”
Senator Ian Gorst, former Chief Minister and current External Relations Minister, said: "RIP HRH Prince Philip. A life of service, well lived, thank you. With all our thoughts and prayers for HM the Queen and all the Royal Family."
Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham commented: "I share a feeling of profound sadness with many following the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip visited Jersey on no fewer than seven occasions and acted as patron to many Jersey Charities. He was widely respected and will be greatly missed."
I share a feeling of profound sadness with many following the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip visited Jersey on no fewer than seven occasions and acted as Patron to many Jersey Charities. He was widely respected and will be greatly missed pic.twitter.com/7POk6uho1a
— Sen. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) April 9, 2021
Reform Jersey paid tribute by saying: "We are very sad to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and all of those around the world who will be mourning his passing."
Assistant Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel said: "The Prince's passing is terribly sad news. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty, their daughter, sons and grandchildren. May he rest in peace."
The Prince's passing is terribly sad news. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty, their daughter, sons and grandchildren. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/P0xjvu3tdO
— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) April 9, 2021
Assistant Treasury Minister Deputy Lindsay Ash praised Prince Philip for having "served the country with such distinction", before sharing some anecdotes about him.
RIP Prince Philip who served the country with such distinction .
— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) April 9, 2021
Many quotes but I'll use one about the Scots who still retain a sense of humour & who he loved:
To a driving instructor in Oban "How do u keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them through the test?"
There will be so many memories of Prince Philip over the next couple of days but 1 that I always felt summed him up was when asked if he regretted giving up his Naval career & he replied that it wasn't a case of whether he regretted it or not, it was his duty there was no choice
— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) April 9, 2021
Assistant Chief Minister Richard Buchanan said: "Very sad news today of the death of HRH Prince Phillip. Thoughts must be with HM, The Queen who has lost her husband and lifelong partner. May he rest in peace."
The States Assembly said: "All our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family in this time of loss and grief."
The Bailiff, President of the States, Mr Timothy Le Cocq, has paid tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, following news of his passing earlier today. All our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family in this time of loss and grief. pic.twitter.com/GE6Smb8Kx1
— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) April 9, 2021
“Sad, sad day. A truly remarkable man who achieved and gave so much, both as consort to our beloved Queen, and in so many other ways. Our thoughts with the Queen and the whole family," former Chief Minister Frank Walker commented on Twitter.
"Very sad to hear that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away After a lifetime of service, may he rest in peace," former Treasury Minister and Senator Philip Ozouf said.
Very sad to hear that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away
— Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) April 9, 2021
After a lifetime of service, may he rest in peace #PrincePhilip pic.twitter.com/jO1wUXx2Qw
"We'd like to express our sadness at the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. A steadfast supporter of HM The Queen for over 70 years, he visited Jersey 7 times and was patron of several island charities.
"He'll be remembered for his service, humour and commitment to charity."
We'd like to express our sadness at the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. A steadfast supporter of HM The Queen for over 70 years, he visited Jersey 7 times and was patron of several Island charities. He'll be remembered for his service, humour and commitment to charity. pic.twitter.com/4bh5g4RQyc
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) April 9, 2021
“On behalf of the States of Jersey Police, I send my sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, and the wider Royal Family, following the death of HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh," Chief Officer Robin Smith said.
“We join the nation in mourning his loss; may he rest in peace.”
Parish halls are flying their flags at half-mast, and will continue to do so until Prince Philip's funeral.
St. John Parish Church was among the parish churches whose bell tolled 99 times on Saturday at noon.
Half-muffled bell tolled 99 times at noon today to mark the death of Prince Philip - one for each year of his life. Church open for condolence book and prayer this weekend. Thank you to Tower Captain, Justin Read, and @LouiseReadJsy #PrincePhilip #dukeofedinburgh @StJohnJersey pic.twitter.com/rE0nTsl3Qd
— StJohnsChurchJersey (@stjohnschurchje) April 10, 2021
"We join our prayers with those of the Royal Family and those around the world for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh," Headmaster of Beaulieu School, Chris Beirne, said.
We join our prayers with those of the Royal Family and those around the world for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh #PrincePhilip @RoyalFamily #RIP pic.twitter.com/zybyLWGQlU
— Headmaster Beaulieu School (@BeaulieuSchool) April 9, 2021
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Prince Phillip, and send our sincere condolences to @RoyalFamily," Jersey College for Girls tweeted.
The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society said: "Condolences to our Patron Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family on the sad news of the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh."
Becky Houzé of Lodge Farm shared a memory of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh in 2001 when the Queen opened the RJAHS as patron.
Jersey Heritage said: "The trustees and staff at Jersey Heritage are saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and extend our sympathies to Her Majesty, The Queen, and the Royal Family at this difficult time."
Jersey's Honorary Police Force said: "Thank you for your faithful & selfless service to your Queen & the Commonwealth, Sir."
"Rest in peace, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh," Jersey's Catholic Church commented on Facebook.
The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club shared a photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh out sailing in his younger years.
The Jersey Reds, who were playing a game in Yorkshire against the Doncaster Knights on Saturday, said they would be paying their respects before the match.
Jersey's sporting community paid tribute with silences before their games over the weekend.
A minutes silence was respectfully observed across sporting events this weekend in Jersey as the islands sporting community remembered The Duke of Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/utyunOyRdF
— Daniel Andrade (@d_andradesport) April 11, 2021
“The people of Guernsey had great respect and affection for Prince Philip which went beyond acknowledging our connection as a dependency of the Crown. More than sixty years ago he created and established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DofE), which has helped countless young people on their journey to adulthood," Deputy Peter Ferbrache said.
"Indeed, many people in Guernsey have been inspired to help their community and have benefited from the confidence, skills and leadership qualities developed during their participation in the DofE. Through the DofE and his own example of dedicated public duty, Prince Philip leaves a lasting legacy of transforming lives and communities across the British Isles and worldwide.”
“It was with a sense of profound sadness that we learned of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness had a long association with Alderney; first visiting in 1949, accompanying Her Majesty The Queen, when they planted a tree in Connaught Square. They subsequently visited the Island again in July 1957, when they laid the foundation stone at the Mignot Memorial Hospital."
The States of Alderney continued: "They also returned in June 1978 and May 1989 on H.M. Yacht Britannia. In July 2001, Her Majesty The Queen opened the new wing at St Anne’s School. She was subsequently joined by The Duke of Edinburgh before visiting Sark. The community of Alderney have always had a deep and lasting affection for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, particularly recognising Alderney’s close links with the Crown. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is flourishing in Alderney, giving our young students the opportunity to benefit from the many and varied experiences available as they make their journey towards adulthood.
"The qualities of loyalty and commitment expressed by the Duke of Edinburgh should serve as an inspiration to us all. We would wish to extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen.”
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