Tributes pour in from the Black Country and Staffordshire as Prince Philip dies at 99

Politicians along with civic and religious leaders are among those who have expressed their sorrow at the news of the death of Prince Philip.

Amanda Milling, MP for Cannock Chase, said: "Devastated by the sad news that His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away.

"After a lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth his loss will be deeply felt.

"My deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family."

Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich East, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.

"I would like to express my condolences, on behalf of everyone in West Bromwich East, to the Royal Family for their loss.

"Prince Philip will be remembered for generations to come as a royal who had a profound sense of duty, exemplified by his service to our country. Having been at The Queen's side for her entire reign, he has been a symbol of Britain's decency and courage.

"Prince Philip was immensely popular, both here and across the Commonwealth, and he was a strong part of the fabric of our nation. He will be sorely missed."

South Staffordshire MP and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, said: "Prince Philip played such an enormous role in our nation for such a long period, whether that was serving in the Royal Navy and defending his country in the Second World War, or performing his duties alongside the Queen.

"He also had a huge impact on so many young people's lives through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, which he was so passionate about.

"We are truly grateful for the amazing work that he has done."

Recalling his time as Defence Secretary, Mr Williamson said Prince Philip was much-loved by Royal Marines for bringing "passion and enthusiasm" to his role as an Honorary Colonel.

He said his "charm and good sense of humour" was also evident when he joined the Queen for the opening of JLR's i54 plant.

"Naturally it was all quite tense initially as you'd expect for a Royal visit," Mr Williamson said. "But he said a few words and immediately broke the tension, which really added to the excitement of the day."

West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey said: "It's absolutely devastating news and my thoughts and prayers are with the family and Her Majesty The Queen. Prince Philip embodied public service, her served the nation was an example for people to look up to.

"And obviously he was consort to the Queen for 70 years and was a Second World War veteran and a member of the Armed Forces. I'm sure communities across the Black Country will join me in paying our respects and sending our best wishes to his family and Her Majesty."

Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes paid tribute to Prince Philip as an "incredible support for The Queen" and spoke of his memories when he met him.

"I went down to London for some Duke of Edinburgh awards not long after I became MP and he was making his way around the room and it came to the line up where I was and he managed to be charming and engaging and funny with everybody, it didn't feel formal.

"This was a slightly embarrassing moment as we were told that he wouldn't stop and talk to people but he said why are you here and I said I'm the local MP down here with children who are getting awards and he asked what is special about the work they have done and it threw me as I didn't expect a further question.

"I started to stumble and he was smiling as he'd caught me out. So that's why it felt a funny and memorable exchange for me."

West Midlands Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree tweeted: "On behalf of the West Midlands we send our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen. There is great sadness across the West Midlands at the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this time."

The National Memorial Arboretum, at Alrewas in Staffordshire, said Prince Philip was "gracious and generous in his support of the National Memorial Arboretum over many years", and confirmed the Union Flag will be flown at half-mast for the eight-day mourning period until 8am on the morning of his funeral.

Staff and volunteers will wear black armbands while the Arboretum's social media accounts will feature photography of His Royal Highness, inviting followers to leave comments and personal recollections.

"The National Memorial Arboretum will not be collating messages of condolence and is encouraging people to contribute to the online National Book of Condolence."

Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: "Our staff and volunteers are immensely saddened by the death of His Royal Highness, a loyal friend to the Arboretum. I will write to Buckingham Palace asking The Queen’s Private Secretary to express our condolences to Her Majesty, and all members of the Royal Family.”

Sandwell Mayor Councillor Dr Ann Jaron said: “On behalf of Sandwell Council and the people of Sandwell, I would like to extend my sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was a dedicated public servant and faithful companion of Her Majesty and we, along with people across the country and indeed the world, will keenly feel his loss.

“He will be remembered through his charitable work and especially through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which thousands of children in Sandwell and across the country have taken part in since its inception in the 1950s.”

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Maria Crompton said: Along with the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Sandwell, I have written a letter of condolence to The Queen, offering our deepest sympathies and to convey the sadness that is being felt.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and the Royal family at this time.”

An online book of condolence will be set up on the Sandwell Council website.

Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Prince Philip has been a dedicated and loyal servant to the Royal family and to the country since the Queen came to the throne.

“We will all remember him for his hard work and of course his sense of humour, but first and foremost he was a husband, for more than 70 years, a father, grandfather and great grandfather and our thoughts are with the Queen and her family on this very sad day.”

John Henderson, Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, said: “I am enormously saddened to learn that Prince Philip has died; my thoughts are very much with the Queen and the Royal Family today.

“I know that His Royal Highness has visited Staffordshire on numerous occasions. I also had the privilege of meeting him in my previous role as General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Germany.

“The Duke had been Colonel in Chief of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers throughout my entire service, and I will remember his wit and ability to put soldiers at their ease. He never forgot his own military service and how to be an effective leader.

“He will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the hardest-working royals with a huge character and spirit.”

Mr Ian Dudson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and I send my heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all The Royal Family.

“We will remember with gratitude both the wonderful support that His Royal Highness has provided to Her Majesty as well as the important role he has personally undertaken with many organisations, notably The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme for the development of successive generations of young people.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen at this difficult time.”

Kath Perry MBE, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke has stood at the side of the Queen throughout her long reign and has, in many ways, played an important role in the life of our country. We will mourn his passing but will remember with gratitude his service to the Sovereign and the Nation.”

Religious leaders have also paid tribute.

Bishop of Worcester, Right Reverend Dr John Inge said millions of people "across the globe" will be saddened by the news, adding: "As a most wonderful consort to Her Majesty the Queen, he has been centre stage for decades, bringing his considerable wisdom and wit to bear on so many situations.

"I join in giving thanks for the long life of a remarkable man and pray that he will rest in peace and rise in glory."

The Right Reverend Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, said: ""Prince Philip has lived a life of service, commitment and courage; he has been constantly loyal in his support of the Queen and tireless in his engagement with people of all communities across our country.

"His advocacy for young people, for conservation and for a wide range of charitable activities has been remarkable, and is an inspiration to us all."

Mohammed Arif, Interim chair of the Union of Muslim Organisations, said: "On behalf of the Muslim community, we want to extend our condolences to her majesty the Queen and her family.

"It is very sad news as well for the Commonwealth because Prince Phillip has been the backbone, supporting the queen in all her activities through the Commonwealth."

Sarbjit Singh, education secretary at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, said: "I would like to offer condolences from Smethwick Gurdwara to the family and may he rest in peace.

"I am shocked and saddened to have heard of his passing and I think everyone from the Sikh community will have the same reaction."

Jas Dehar, chair of Interfaith Wolverhampton added: "He was a remarkable man who did so much for all communities in the UK."

Flags will be flown at half mast at council buildings and police stations across the region for the official eight-day mourning period,