Tributes continue to pour in across region after Duke of Edinburgh's death aged 99

Political, civic and religious leaders all shared their sorrow at the loss of a "great world leader" and "family man" in Prince Philip who died aged 99.

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke of Edinburgh had passed away peacefully on Friday morning at Windsor Castle.

James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said: "I was deeply saddened by the news that The Duke of Edinburgh had passed away. His legacy of military and public service, and his support for the Queen during her reign, have been exemplary.

"He will be missed by many people across the country and across the globe, but it will be a particularly difficult time for his family who knew him best. My thoughts are with them all."

The Very Rev Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, led prayers at Lichfield Cathedral – and a moment of silence – in the midst of the vaccine roll-out as the bell was tolled.

The cathedral bell tolled again – a total of 99 times, representing the Duke of Edinburgh's age – on Saturday at noon, with the site open for private prayer and quiet reflection.

Rev Dorber said: "We received with great sadness the news of the death of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. He has served our country selflessly as the Queen’s husband and consort since their marriage and her accession to the throne in 1952.

"He has shown genuine concern for the future of our country, through his interest in the environment, wildlife, education, and by ensuring we are at the forefront of scientific advancement.

"While our monarchy has its formal and solemn side, Prince Philip has shown a forthright wit and sense of humour and has helped the monarchy adapt and embrace change over the years. The Queen described him as her rock and he has been a major stabilising influence throughout her whole reign. He will be sorely missed."

Meanwhile St Peter's Church in Wolverhampton included a short act of remembrance for Prince Philip during their service on Sunday, with Top Church in Dudley opening on Saturday for two hours to allow people to find a quiet reflective space light a candle or say a prayer.

Worcester Cathedral opened up on Saturday and Sunday for members of the public to pay their respects and light candles, whilst the cathedral bell tolled to mark the period of mourning.

A memorial service will be held in the cathedral on the day before the funeral, with the cathedral choir and civic and diocesan representatives in attendance. Limited seating for members of the public will be available.

The Dean of Worcester, Dr Peter Atkinson, said: "Prince Philip was a much-loved figure on the world stage for many decades. His support for Her Majesty the Queen throughout their long marriage, and his devotion to duty through countless public engagements until very recently, mark him out as one of the great men of our time. We mourn his passing, and are united in prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family."

Abdul Qadus, on behalf of Lye Ghausia Jamia Masjid, Ghausia Jamia Mosque and Welfare Association and Islamic Community & Education Centre in Lye, called Prince Philip an "honourable man".

He said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was an absolutely wonderful gentleman, a very keen supporter of the British Army and the Commonwealth and always put the crisis between India and Pakistan top of the agenda and was very supportive of keeping peace between the two countries.

"We Muslim people in Lye and Stourbridge send our condolences to her majesty the Queen and the whole royal family and are sad that an honourable man has sadly passed away.

"I have started books of condolence, which will be available to sign in Christ Church, in the central library and at religious buildings around the town."

Dr Maqsood Saaed, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Wolverhampton, added: "We respect the Duke of Edinburgh and we sincerely send our condolences on the sad loss of a great world leader.

"He was a very popular person throughout the world, a family man who served British people throughout the world. He was not in a position as the head of state or head of the palace, but he was the head of his family and he looked after his family and was greatly respected across the world.

"He did whatever he could in his position and was an outstanding leader in his own way, so it is a great loss to the country and to the royal family.

"We in the Ahmadiyya community would like to offer our sincerest sympathies to the royal family. We would also like to celebrate his huge career and life and everything he has done for the British people and the Commonwealth. He will be missed."

Wolverhampton-born activist and campaigner Patrick Vernon added: "I have met Prince Philip on at least three occasions over the years.

"I remember one time we had a really interesting conversation about the history of Africa which I had to admit he [had] a real good knowledge [about it]."