Prince Philip: The Midlands remembers The Duke of Edinburgh and pays respects.


People have been keen to show their respects to Prince Philip, after Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.

During a public life that lasted more than sixty years, Prince Philip completed thousands of public engagements in Britain and across the world.  

He visited the Midlands many times, at the side of the Queen, for celebrations and to show support in darker times. 

In Nottingham today, bells rang out across the city at midday, and the Duke's face appeared on billboards in the streets.

The Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, Sir John Peace, said when you met the Duke you knew you were "in the presence of a great man."


Bells rang out at Lichfield Cathedral too, although there was some regret that they weren't able to mark the Duke's passing as they would have wished, due to the pandemic.

Across the region, the Union Flag is flying at half mast as a mark of respect.

  • Flag lowered to half mast as a mark of respect at Derby City Council. Pictures from Ashley Kirk

Nottingham City Council is marking the death of Prince Philip by lowering the Council House flag and by opening a book of condolence Credit: Nottingham City Council

A tweet from Birmingham Cathedral shares a photo of the flag in Cathedral Square lowered to half mast, and a prayer dedicated to the Duke.

The Union flag is flying at half mast above the Council House, following news of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. Credit: Birmingham City Council
Telford and Wrekin Council's flag is flying at half mast in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh. Credit: Telford and Wrekin Council
The flag at Castle House has been lowered to half mast as Newark and Sherwood District Council remember Prince Philip Credit: Newark and Sherwood District Council

A full statement from the Palace said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

"Further announcements will made in due course.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

The Queen and Prince Philip were married for over 70 years. Credit: PA

As a mark of respect, black armbands are being made available to be worn by staff at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Volunteers at the site are recipients of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

A statement from the National Memorial Arboretum said "he was gracious and generous in his support" for the memorial site over many years.

Prince Philip at the National Memorial Arboretum in 2016 Credit: PA

In Derby, people reacted to the news with sadness.


Elsewhere in Birmingham, people were also saddened that the Duke did not make it to his 100th birthday.

One said: "It's a very sad time, he is one of the main people who held the royal family together and it's a very, very sad that he has passed away."

Another added: "I am quite shocked because even though he's just come out of hospital, we were expecting him to make it to his 100th birthday, it is sad - and it's a lot for this country."


Suleman Nagdi, a community figure in Leicester who is spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said the Duke was "extremely easy to speak to" and he took a great interest in the different communities living in the city.

The Queen and the duke wave from Buckingham Palace on Coronation Day. Credit: PA

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