Flags will be flying at half mast and books of condolence set up as the Warwick district pays tribute to Prince Philip

Flags will be flying at half mast as the Warwick district pays tribute to Prince Philip, who died today (Friday).

Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) has announced that a book of condolence will be set up with the suitable Covid restrictions in place.

A KTC spokesperson said: "Kenilworth Town Council is very sad to hear the news of the death of HRH The Prince Philip which has been announced today.

"For more than 70 years he has supported Her Majesty The Queen in her royal duties and for more than 80 years he has served our country in the armed services, through a huge number of charitable patronages and also in the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

"The town council has opened a book of condolence at Jubilee House. Given COVID restrictions, local residents are invited to send any contributions to this book by email to the town clerk ([email protected]) or written condolences to be included in the book can be posted to the town clerk at Jubilee House, Smalley Place, Kenilworth CV9 1QG.

"There is also a letter box outside Jubilee House in which statements of condolence can be hand delivered.

"The Union flag on Jubilee House will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for Prince Philip."

"Prince Philip has dutifully served the people of this country for more than 80 years and will leave a huge legacy on the quality of life both in Britain and through his international work,' said the Mayor of Kenilworth, Cllr Richard Dickson.

"Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of royal family."

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “Today’s news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is very sad and marks the end of a chapter of British public life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was a much-respected figure who throughout his long life dedicated himself to the service of the Queen and made a significant contribution to the life of this country.

“I offer my deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the whole of the Royal Family. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Cllr Tony Dixon, said: "On behalf of the Councillors and Officers of Stratford-on-Avon District Council we are deeply saddened at the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

"The Duke last visited Stratford-upon-Avon, on March 4 2011 when he accompanied Her Majesty The Queen when she officially opened the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

"Following the announcement of the death, the flag above Elizabeth House has been lowered to half-mast and will remain in that position until 8am on the day after the His Royal Highness' funeral.

"Floral tributes in memory of HRH Duke of Edinburgh should be placed in the Garden of Remembrance, College Street, Old Town.

"They will remain on display there until the day after the funeral, after which they will be composted.

"Due to Covid-19 guidelines, we request that social distancing measures are adhered to at all times when placing floral tributes."

A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said: "It is with great sorrow that Warwickshire County Council receives the announcement of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"As an expression of our sadness Warwickshire's flags fly at half-mast and our communities are invited to sign the Book of Condolence. Our Book of Condolence is available online at: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bookofcondolence

"We will retain a copy of the book in our archives for future generations to read, along with passing the book to the palace in due course. Chairman of the council, Cllr Alan Cockburn will also write to the Queen and the Royal Family offering our condolences.

"Whilst currently we cannot come together as a community to mourn and remember His Royal Highness, Warwickshire will find a way in which to do so in the near future."