MKFM takes a look back at some of the times that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Milton Keynes.
His Royal Highness died this morning (9/4) at Windsor Castle, at the age of 99.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
Into his 90s, the Duke carried out a busy programme of public engagements, reflecting his own charitable interests.
He also travelled around the country supporting the Queen, both on state occasions and royal visits.
In May 2017, after carrying out more than 20,000 solo public engagements, the 96-year-old retired from his own programme of royal duties, occasionally stepping out to support the Queen for big events.
Today, as millions of people pay tribute to the Duke, we take a look back at some of the times he visited Milton Keynes.
In 1979, the Queen and Prince Philip attended the centre:mk to mark the opening of the shopping centre. They were greeted by thousands of cheering residents, schoolchildren, and shop workers.
Do you remember HM The Queen visit to centre:mk on June 27th 1979.Our Queens Court is named after her #longestreign pic.twitter.com/Yl767aymyY
— centre:mk (@centremk) September 9, 2015
That same year, Prince Philip was by the Queen's side when she opened Milton Keynes Council's new Civic Offices.
Then, in 2007, His Royal Highness and Her Majesty returned to Milton Keynes for the much-anticipated opening of Stadium MK.
It was a major event in the calendar and marked the city's 40th birthday.
Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning UK monarch today - here's when she opened stadiummk back in 2007... pic.twitter.com/5Ky6PaTXNs
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) September 9, 2015
The Queen and Prince Philip arrived at the Stadium's entrance to be greeted by MK Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman, former MK Dons Manager Paul Ince, and other VIPs.
They were then driven through the service tunnel into the Stadium to see the 20,000-strong crowd of applauding residents and children.
It was a big day for Milton Keynes and remains a fond memory for us all.
Following the opening of Stadium MK, the Queen and Prince Philip were driven across town to open The Hub - which is now a buzzing district in the city centre.
These are just a few of the visits that Prince Philip made to Milton Keynes throughout the years, with one of our local MPs saying that he met him at Bletchley Park, home of the codebreakers.
Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes North, 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 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.
— Iain Stewart MP (@iainastewart) April 9, 2021
May he rest in peace.
Other local figures have been paying tribute to Prince Philip, including the Mayor of Milton Keynes and the Leader of Milton Keynes Council.
And it has been announced that flags will be flying at half-mast in Milton Keynes until after the Duke's funeral.
Anyone who wishes to place flowers can do so while observing social distancing precautions at the Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park.
