Nottingham marks death of HRH Prince Philip

Nottingham City Council is marking the death of HRH Prince Philip by lowering the Council House flag and opening a book of condolence.

Buckingham Palace announced his death today, Friday 9^th April, saying he passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99, had recently being suffering from ill health.

People can add messages to an online book of condolence opened by the City Council here: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/princephilip. The Union flag is flying at half-mast on the Council House. Due to coronavirus restrictions not permitting large gatherings, there are no current plans to carry out commemorative events and laying of flowers in tribute is sadly not advisable in the current circumstances. Details of how the city will mark his death will follow in due course.

Prince Philip has visited Nottingham on a number of occasions, including on 28^th July 1977 as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee tour and on 19^th April 1984 to meet Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean following their Olympics gold win earlier that year.

He also visited Nottingham in 1955 and a signed photograph of Prince Philip remains on display in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour inside the Council House as a memento of the occasion.

City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “It’s incredibly sad news that Prince Philip has died, he has given long and faithful service to this country and years of devotion to the Queen. Among his many achievements, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme stands as a lasting legacy which has helped many thousands of young people to gain confidence in themselves and find their way in life.

“I’m sure the thoughts of Nottingham people, like mine, are with the Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this time.”

The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Rosemary Healy, said: “I extend my deep sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family on this terribly sad day. Prince Philip has served alongside the Queen as husband and consort for over 70 years and his contribution to public life will not be forgotten.”