Local figures have been paying tribute to Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who died this morning (9/4) at the age of 99.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement informing the world that His Royal Highness "passed away peacefully" at Windsor Castle.
The news has since left the nation in a state of shock and mourning, with hundreds of thousands of tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Many of those tributes have come from Milton Keynes, a place which the Duke had visited multiple times as part of his royal duties.
Both of Milton Keynes MPs have paid tribute to Prince Philip. Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and my thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. He was inspirational and gave so much to the nation, and was held in deep affection in return.
"I had the enormous privilege of meeting him on a number of occasions, most memorably when he accompanied The Queen on a visit to Bletchley Park in my constituency. May he rest in peace."
I am deeply saddened by the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and my thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.
— Iain Stewart MP (@iainastewart) April 9, 2021
He was inspirational and gave so much to the nation, and was held in deep affection in return.
Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North, added: "His Royal Highness Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. From his distinguished service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to inspiring young people across our country with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, his lifetime of service has touched so many people.
"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this awful and sad time."
A terrible loss to our country. The Duke of Edinburgh's dedicated service and commitment will not be forgotten.
— Ben Everitt (@Ben_Everitt) April 9, 2021
My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this awful time. https://t.co/Wy65deyPTE
It has been announced by Milton Keynes Council that the city's flags will be flying at half-mast until after Prince Philip's funeral.
Cllr Pete Marland, the Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said: "Prince Philip dedicated his life to public service. He was also a husband, father and grandfather and I think sometimes we should remember there will be private grief for those very much in the public eye.”
The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Andrew Geary, also paid tribute to the 99-year-old. He said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that Milton Keynes Council hears of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"We send our deep condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Milton Keynes. I will be writing to The Royal Household to express our sympathies."
The Conservative Group has today said that they will be suspending campaigning to mourn the loss of the Duke.
Cllr Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservative Group, paid tribute: "It is with great sadness to hear that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.
"His duty, commitment and decades of service to our country will never be forgotten.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family."
Hundreds of local people have shared their messages of condolences on our Facebook post when we shared the news that Prince Philip had died. You can join the conversation by clicking here.
Those who wish to leave flowers in Prince Philip's memory are being invited to do so at the Milton Keynes Rose.
Flowers should be taken out of cellophane wrappers and Milton Keynes Council asks for no naked flames/candles. Some non-weatherproof items may be removed after a short period.
