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Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

World Leaders Mourn Prince Philip's Death


Fri 09 Apr 2021 | 11:32 PM
Rana Atef

World leaders and figures around the world paid tribute to the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II's husband who passed away on Friday aged 99.

The earliest mourning statement that appeared on the screens was UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's speech. Johnson recalled Philip's passion and efforts to the kingdom, saying: "We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh."

On the other hand, Former Prime Minister Tony Blair described the departed prince as "a man of foresight, determination and courage."

The Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin stated: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time."

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated: "I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of the Scottish Government and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that all flags will be lowered at half-mast as a sign of mourning due to the death of the prince who described as: "Embodied a generation that we will never see again".

He added: "The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia."

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand underscored: "Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time."

She added: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family."

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, commented on Philip's military and public service career saying: "He had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives. May his soul rest in peace."

The Chief of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: "I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day."

German Foreign Ministry Heiko Mass posted: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Royal family, the people of the Commonwealth, and all who loved him dearly."

Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela revealed: "Our people will always treasure his memory. Our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the Royal Family."

King Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, described Philip as "a great friend of our family for many years, a relation which we have deeply valued". He continued: "His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all."

UNESCO director Audrey Azoulay expressed her "sincere condolences" to the royal family. She added: "His Royal Highness Philip was a pillar of English modern history and a strong advocate of Planet action through the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Award. He will be missed."

Former US president George W. Bush reacted to the news saying that the duke "Represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign."

Barack Obama was another Former US President who paid a heartbreaking tribute to the late Prince. He said: "Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly."

Obama added: "As the world mourns his loss, we send our warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to the Queen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and everyone who knew and loved this remarkable man."

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: "Prince Phillip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world," he wrote.

Moreover, several Arab countries' leaders expressed their condolences to the Queen such as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of UAE. He expressed his deep sadness to the queen, in addition, he sent his deep condolences to her.

President Abdel Fattah Sisi, the President of Egypt, issued an official statement sharing his thoughts to the Queen due to her husband's death.

Also, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Dubai Ruler sent his condolences to the queen.

In addition, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa praised the efforts of the departed duke for the seek of the UK and its people.

Finally, Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq expressed his condolences to the queen after the death of his husband.