Alberta leaders pay tribute to the late Prince Philip

“I am saddened today to learn of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. Albertans join others Canadians, and all members of the Commonwealth, in mourning his passing.

“Prince Philip was a great friend of Alberta, visiting our province many times since his first visit with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, in 1951.

“During these many visits, he met Albertans from diverse communities and walks of life, including students, artists, athletes, patients in hospital, veterans and members of First Nations, and was greeted by cheering crowds at events like the Calgary Stampede and the Commonwealth Games.

“His involvement with a great number of charitable organizations offered Albertans a shining example of public service. Since the 1960s, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards have inspired more than 500,000 young Canadians, among them thousands of Albertans, to personal achievements in community service, physical recreation, skills development and outdoor exploration.

“His Royal Highness served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, in both the European and Pacific Theatres. He was a member of the greatest generation, whose entire adult life was dedicated to public service.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty. The Duke of Edinburgh was a lifelong and steadfast partner in the discharge of her duties as sovereign. We also extend our deepest sympathies to all other members of Canada’s Royal Family.

“In sorrow and with enduring admiration, we extend to Her Majesty an expression of our abiding support and affection.”

Honourable Nathan Cooper, MLA, Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly

“I am saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of all Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, I respectfully offer my heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, their children and broader family. Our prayers are with them during this difficult time.

“My thoughts are also with citizens of the United Kingdom and citizens from our fellow Commonwealth countries whom His Royal Highness faithfully served as consort to Queen Elizabeth II since her ascension to the throne in 1952.

“Prince Philip visited Canada many times over the years. Many Albertans will remember he accompanied Princess Elizabeth during her inaugural visit to Canada in 1951 and his most recent visit to our province also with Her Majesty in 2005 to participate in the celebrations to mark Alberta’s centennial year.

“His Royal Highness leaves behind a profound legacy of service. Following a decorated naval career, including active duty in the Second World War, he focused on his work in support of Her Majesty. Prince Philip will be remembered for his leadership and patronage of more than 750 charitable organizations. Most notably, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which he founded in 1956, celebrates the achievements of young people around the world.

“May His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Rest in Peace.”

Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

“My husband, Zaheer, and I join with our fellow Albertans in marking the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness will long be remembered for the dignity, loyalty and sense of purpose that were clearly evident during his longstanding service to our province and nation.

“The Duke of Edinburgh made many visits to Alberta over the years. His Royal Highness joined Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in official tours to cities and towns across the province and also travelled here alone many times to take part in meetings and events related to the Commonwealth Study Conference, the World Wildlife Fund and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Throughout these visits, it was abundantly clear that His Royal Highness shared Albertans’ great love of our province’s natural beauty, in general, and the Rocky Mountains in particular.

“Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards program, His Royal Highness provided generations of young Albertans with valuable opportunities to develop their personal skills and assume leadership roles in their communities. While Albertans mourn the passing of His Royal Highness, we know that the Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy will continue on in the hearts and minds of all those who benefitted from that program and all those who were inspired by his tremendous commitment to service.

“On behalf of all Albertans, I extend deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and all members of the Royal Family.”

Tara Veer, Mayor of Red Deer

“It is a sad and historic day, as we join the Commonwealth and the world in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke of Edinburgh had a distinguished career in the military and worked tirelessly at the forefront of many community service initiatives. He was a man of resolve and conviction, exemplified by his devotion to Her Majesty The Queen, whom he supported for 73 years.

Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the entire Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. The Duke of Edinburgh was at The Queen’s side for more than six decades of Her Majesty’s reign, becoming the longest-serving consort in British history in 2009.

On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Red Deer, we extend our condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time and express our gratitude for his many years of extraordinary public service.”

by rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta leaders pay tribute to the late Prince Philip

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