Statement: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Thérèse and I are deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his lifelong partner Her Majesty The Queen, and other members of the Royal Family.Prince Philip lived to a venerable age. Both Thérèse and I had the opportunity to meet and converse with both His Royal Highness and Her Majesty on a number of occasions. It was plain from those conversations that Prince Philip had a deep and abiding affection for Australia.It matters not whether Australians are republicans or monarchists, Prince Philip’s passing is a very sad day for the Royal Family who, like all families, will be grieving deeply the loss of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.Our thoughts should all be with Her Majesty The Queen at this time.Image: ABC / Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on Royal train at Bathurst, NSW, while on tour, February 1954.