'He devoted his life to public service' - tributes pour in from South Tyneside after Prince Philip dies aged 99

Buckingham Palace confirmed on April 9 that Prince Philip had died at Windsor Castle.

Individuals and organisations in South Tyneside have paid their respects to a man they said gave his life to public service.

The Queen’s official representative for South Tyneside, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Susan Winfield OBE, is sent condolences to Her Majesty.

She paid tribute on behalf of the people of the borough and the rest of Tyne & Wear, who she said welcomed the Prince on many occasions over his long and distinguished service to his country.

The Duke’s visits to South Tyneside included officially opening the then South Shields Marine and Technical College in 1964, returning to what is now South Tyneside College in 2005, and sailing into the harbour on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “Prince Philip was a strong character, a warm, friendly man with a sense of humour and a lively interest in whatever you were talking about.

"He was a tremendous support to Her Majesty and will be greatly missed by her and all members of the royal family as well as by all who knew him and the organisations and charities he supported for many years.

“He will be remembered by many who met him on visits to Tyne and Wear and also by the thousands of young people who have taken the opportunities and benefitted greatly from his Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.”

Big Pink Dress fundraising runner Colin Burgin-Plews, from South Shields, who has met a number of royals over the years, paid tribute to the ‘old-school’ husband who he said was devoted to his family.

“Being ex-forces I’ve met a few royals but unfortunately never Prince Philip,” he said.

"He was old school and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts are now with her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.”

Nexus, which operates Tyne and Wear Metro, said: “Deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose death was announced today.

"We have fond memories of his visit in 1981 with Her Majesty The Queen to officially open the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Rest in Peace HRH Prince Philip - a man who devoted his life to public service.

"On this sad day our thoughts are with the Queen and all the Royal Family.”

Northumbria Police also issued a statement saying: “We're saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, and the entire Royal Family, at this difficult time.”

Great North Air Ambulance tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"He dedicated his life to serving our country, and was by the Queen's side for over 70 years.

“Our thoughts are with the Queen and the Royal Family.”

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