“Alongside the queen or following the usual two steps,” wrote former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, “Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a caring husband for a powerful woman. “.
Posted on April 9, 2021 at 2:38 pm ET
President Joe Biden is one of the world leaders who have paid tribute to Prince Philip of Great Britain, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, after the news of Philip’s death on Friday morning.
In a statement, the bidens expressed their “deepest condolences” to the royal family and acknowledged the incredible life of the Duke of Edinburgh, which lasted a few months after a century.
“Throughout his 99 years of life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly,” Joe and Jill Biden said. “From his service during World War II, to his 73 years with the Queen, and all his life in the public eye: Prince Philip devoted himself to the people of the United Kingdom, to the Commonwealth. and his family. “
Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump also paid tribute to Prince Philip.
In his statement, Trump hailed the prince for his “outstanding example of service, perseverance and patriotism,” recognizing his military career as part of the Royal Navy.
“Over the last few years, Melania and I have had the honor of having the opportunity to visit the UK. We saw first hand how the monarchy personifies and continues to carry the virtues of the British people, and no one did it more than Prince Philip, ”Trump said.
The Obamas chose to remember Prince Philip as “kind and warm, with a sharp wit and an infallible good humor.”
Their joint statement referred to the memory of their first meeting with the royal couple in 2009.
“Since two Americans were not used to the palaces and the pomp, we did not know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried. Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something much more natural, even comfortable, ”they wrote.
“Alongside the queen or following the usual two steps,” the Obamas said, “Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a caring husband for a powerful woman.”
Former US President George Bush also released a statement saying that both he and his wife Laura were “saddened” to learn of Prince Philip’s death.
“Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and ingenuity of her company, and we know how much she will miss you,” Bush said. “We join those people around the world who offer heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the entire royal family.”
In the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared on the front stairs at 10 Downing Street to honor Philip with an address to the nation.
“Like the expert carriage driver he was, he helped run the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an indisputably vital institution for the balance and happiness of our national life,” Johnson said.
The Prime Minister called on the UK to address good wishes and a show of support for the royal family, which he said had lost “a devoted husband and father, a proud and loving grandfather and, in recent years, a great-grandfather. “.
Former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and David Cameron were also among those who issued condolence statements.
May said she had an “extraordinary debt of gratitude” to the 99-year-old for his life of service to both the queen and the country, while Cameron described his death as “desperately sad news.”
Around the world, other leaders paid tribute to Prince Philip, including Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, where the Queen is also head of state.
“A family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” Trudeau told statement. “The thinking of Canadians is with Queen Elizabeth II and members of the royal family, as they mourn such a great loss.”
Prince Philip was the patron of more than 40 organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and the Outward Bound Trust.
His service earned him the first Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada, presented to him by the Governor General of Canada during his last visit to the country in 2013.
The Duke, who was born in 1921, is also remembered by other royal families throughout Europe.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark posted a portrait of Prince Philip on Instagram accompanied by a statement announcing that she had sent personal condolences to her British counterpart.
Prince Philip was the great-grandson of King Christian IX, who was King of Denmark from 1863 until his death in 1906.
King Harald V of Norway requested that half-mast flags be made from the balcony of his palace on Friday and the day of Philip’s funeral. The news of Philip’s death was received with “great sorrow,” the Norwegian monarch said.
In Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf said in a statement that both he and Queen Silvia were “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relationship we have deeply valued,” the Swedish sovereign said. “His service to his country will continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”
The royal family of the Netherlands (King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maximus and Princess Beatrix) also issued a statement of condolence explaining how “the living personality of Prince Philip never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression.”
These are some of the tributes that other leaders have shared.
Irish President Michael Higgins:
French President Emmanuel Macron:
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland:
Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan:
Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan:
Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Higher Bishop of the Church of England: