NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has opened a book of condolence following the death of Prince Phillip.
The book — which can be signed online — has been opened by council chairwoman Laura Devlin who said it will allow the district’s residents to extend their sympathies in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions.
Extending her sympathy to the Queen and all members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s family, Cllr Devlin said her thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“I am aware that Prince Philip made a significant contribution to public life and was a patron of many hundreds of charities, including his own Duke of Edinburgh Award which benefited thousands of young lives in Northern Ireland.”
All messages in the online book will be recorded by Newry, Mourne and Down Council and sent directly to the Royal family, with closing date for signatures next Friday, April 23 at 6pm.
Ulster Unionist councillors Robert Burgess and Alan Lewis have extended their sympathy to the Royal family following Prince Philip’s death.
Cllr Burgess said he was sad to learn of the death of the senior member of the Royal household and that his thoughts are with the Queen and her family at this sad time.
He said Prince Philip was popular in Northern Ireland and will be remembers as someone who dedicated his life to service and was at the helm of the hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
“The Prince would have celebrated his 100th birthday on June 10 and what a milestone that would have been. That said, he led a remarkable life and was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather,” added Cllr Burgess.
Cllr Lewis said Prince Philip demonstrated his bravery in the Royal Navy during the Second World War when he was mentioned in dispatches.
He also commended his life of service as consort to the Queen, to whom he was a “source of immense strength and support”.
“Prince Philip will also be remembered for his charitable work and in particular for the transformative work of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme which had such a positive impact on so many young people`s lives across the United Kingdom and beyond,” he continued.
Cllr Lewis said Prince Philip led a “remarkable life of dedication and public service” and was always there as a stalwart of support for the Queen and country.
He added: “The nation will mourn with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this time of sorrow. The people of Northern Ireland will fondly remember the many visits from Prince Philip and the obvious love that he had for this part of the United Kingdom.”
Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s book of condolence is available at: www.newrymournedown.org/chairpersons-book-of-condolences.