The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) paid tribute to Prince Philip who died today at the age of 99.
Her Majesty the Queen is Patron of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Sandra Gidley, RPS president, said: “HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has given decades of selfless public service to this country. We recognise that the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh will be felt deeply by many pharmacists across the country.
“On behalf of all members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this profoundly difficult time.”
The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, was Queen Elizabeth’s husband for more than seven decades.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said in a statement.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Flags at Buckingham Palace and at government buildings across Britain were lowered to half-mast and members of the public laid flowers outside Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
A Greek prince, Philip married Elizabeth in 1947. He went on to play a key role helping the monarchy to adapt to a changing world in the post-World War Two period, and behind the walls of Buckingham Palace was the one key figure the queen could trust and turn to, knowing he could tell her exactly what he thought.
“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” Elizabeth, 94, said in a rare personal tribute to Philip in a speech marking their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997.
“I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
Buckingham Palace said modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements were being considered by the queen in light of Covid-19 restrictions in England.
“With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds,” the palace said. “Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal residences.”
An online Book of Condolence has been set up on the royal family’s website.
