THE First Minister has issued a statement following the death of Prince Philip at the age of 99.
Buckingham Palace announced this afternoon that the Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort in British history, had passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle.
The duke and Queen were married for more than 70 years, and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty.
READ MORE: Holyrood parties suspend election campaigns following death of Prince Philip
Most Holyrood parties have now announced they will suspend election campaigning.
The SNP, Tories, Labour, LibDems, Reform UK Scotland and All for Unity have so far confirmed they will stop their campaigns.
Following this afternoon’s news, the First Minister released a statement, saying the duke’s “long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people”.
Here is Nicola Sturgeon’s full statement:
“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the royal family.
“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and their grief is shared by people across the country.
“The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle.
File photo dated 04/09/17 of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the Queensferry Crossing during the official opening
“From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over 50 years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.
“Online Books of Condolence will open in the coming days to allow people to pay their respects. In line with current restrictions, the royal household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse of Balmoral Castle at this time.
“The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.”
Flags will fly at half-mast on Scottish Government buildings as a mark of respect.
READ MORE: Prince Philip: Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99 at Windsor Castle
Scottish Parliament presiding officer Ken Macintosh issued a statement on behalf of Holyrood.
“I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the royal family following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
As a mark of respect following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh @ScotParl flags are flying at half-mast pic.twitter.com/1bdH39bCFC
— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) April 9, 2021
“Prince Philip accompanied Her Majesty on many of her visits here and their unwavering support for this institution as well as the Duke’s to Her Majesty were clear for all to see.”
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