Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham says Prince Philip’s commitment to public service will be ‘remembered with gratitude’ by everyone across the region.
Mr Burnham paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who died peacefully at Windsor Castle yesterday morning at the age of 99.
The Duke was a regular visitor to Greater Manchester and served as the Chancellor of the University of Salford for many years.
Mr Burnham said: “On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I want to convey our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, her children, grandchildren and other members the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
“Prince Philip gave a lifetime of service to our country and was an ever-present in our lives at the side of the Queen, representing all our nations and regions at countless engagements over the years.
“He made many visits to our city-region and his work touched the lives of so many people here. For many years, Prince Philip acted as Chancellor of the University of Salford, from the time of its Royal Charter in 1967 right through to 1991. He remained a keen follower of the university thereafter, returning to meet new generations of students at the state-of-the-art MediaCity campus in 2012.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s lifelong commitment to public service will be remembered with gratitude across Greater Manchester.”
Embed from Getty ImagesOther political leaders from across the region have paid tribute.
Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding tweeted to say he’d be suspending his local election campaign as a mark of respect.
He said: “I join with the Royal Family and many others around the world in mourning the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh.Flags on Civic Buildings will be flown at half mast and I will be suspending my local election campaign until further notice as a mark of respect.”
And Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell said the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme would be the Prince’s greatest legacy.
She said: “Very sad news. He really was a true public servant. One of his greatest legacies is the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme which has given millions of young people great life opportunities, volunteering experience and purpose.”
