Following the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021, Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

Prince Philip was a phenomenal public servant who led an inspirational life of dedicated support to the nation’s longest-reigning monarch.

He leaves a remarkable legacy including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which will continue to inspire generations of young people across Wales and the United Kingdom for many years to come.

It is with great sadness that we mourn his passing and I offer my sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family.

In a statement at 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world.

He was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.

With his Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme he shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people and at literally tens of thousands of events he fostered their hopes and encouraged their ambitions.

We remember the Duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty The Queen.

Not just as her consort, by her side every day of her reign, but as her husband, her “strength and stay”, of more than 70 years.

So we mourn today with Her Majesty The Queen. We offer our condolences to her and to all her family and we give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Read the Prime Minister’s statement in full.

“Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life of service – the Queen’s loyal consort, a naval hero and a man who inspired so many across Northern Ireland, and the world, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“As a regular visitor to Northern Ireland, having made 56 official visits in his lifetime, I know there will be many people who will wish to pay their respects and mourn his passing. He will be remembered not only as a truly dedicated public servant but also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“My deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the whole of the Royal family as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

The test centre is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises eight drive through sites, 42 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all COVID testing and test processing outside of the NHS. Around two thirds of all daily tests are provided by the UK Government, in support of Scotland’s health services.

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816. People should only book a test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) or have been instructed to do so by a clinician or NHS contact tracer.

Earlier today Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh after a short illness.

A notice informing the public of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace. It read:

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.”

At the express request of HRH Duke of Edinburgh, and in line with current COVID restrictions, there will be no official ceremonial events during this period.

Although this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel.

We are supporting the Royal Household in asking that floral tributes should not be laid at Hillsborough Castle at this time. The Royal Family have asked that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.

An online Book of Condolence is now available should members of the public wish to express their condolences. This is available at the Royal Family Website

Further details of the funeral will be announced by Buckingham Palace in due course.

Although this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel.

We are supporting the Royal Household in asking that floral tributes should not be laid at Royal Residences at this time.