Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama remembered Prince Philip’s life in a moving statement on Friday.
“Through his extraordinary example, His Royal Highness Prince Philip proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater,” the president said on Friday in a Twitter statement, which Michelle Obama also retweeted. “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, and the British people.”
The former president released a longer statement on his Facebook page, detailing his first meeting with the duke:
When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried.
The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.
President Joe Biden released a statement of his own on Friday, writing, “Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.”
“On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh,” the White House statement said. “Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly.”
Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush also released tributes, alongside many other world leaders:
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement said. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
The duke died just shy of his 100th birthday.
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