Gainsborough council leaders pay tribute to His Royal Highness Prince Philip

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Steve England, said: “It is with much sadness that we have learned of the passing of our HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“My sadness at this time is shared with members and officers of the council and I am sure with all residents across the whole of West Lindsey District, as we remember with affection and gratitude, the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning Consort.

“As a mark of respect the Union Flag will be flown at half-mast at the council’s main office at the Guildhall, Gainsborough, until the morning following the funeral. There is a protocol for when the flag should be raised and lowered and the council will ensure that this is duly observed, as well as other considerations for the period of mourning.

“During these difficult times, we are doing things differently in terms of paying our respects to ensure we respect social distancing measures.

"An e-condolence book will be available at www.royal.gov.uk to allow people to pay their respects. The link can also be accessed from our own website, www.west-lindsey.gov.uk. We would also discourage people from laying flowers or other tributes in places around the district.”

Gainsborough Town Council and the Mayor of Gainsborough, Coun Keith Panter, have expressed their deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family following the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

His service in the Armed Forces, tireless work for charity and the Duke of Edinburgh Award will in particular be remembered.

As a mark of respect, the flag at Richmond Park will fly at half-mast until after the funeral.

Lincolnshire Police chief constable, Chris Haward, said: “As servants of the Crown it has been an honour to serve HRH Prince Philip as he stood alongside HM the Queen for all of these years.

“We send our thoughts and condolences from the Lincolnshire Police family to the Royal Family, and to all those who were close to the Duke and who will mourn his death.”

Coun James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “On behalf of all councils across England and Wales, I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the whole Royal Family.

“Councils will be putting into place local arrangements to support the public in expressing their own sympathies, such as opening books of condolence, flags being flown at half-mast and the laying of flowers in public areas.”

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive, Scott Knowles, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing.

“Prince Philip was a fantastic public servant and will be remembered fondly for his great commitment and devotion to our country, while the business community will recognise him as a strong advocate for UK enterprise.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and all members of the Royal Family at this time.”

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Martin Hill, said: "This is an extremely sad time for the entire nation. As the husband and loyal consort of our longest serving Monarch, he provided immense support and presided over numerous public engagements until he stepped down from his duties in 2017.

"We were very fortunate to host him several times over many decades, enabling him to see our county at its best. From visiting the East Coast after the devastating flooding in 1953 to the opening of facilities at Bourne Grammar School in 2013, he has shown support for our communities in Lincolnshire many times.

"As well as public events, privately he visited the county many times – mainly RAF Cranwell to support his grandson, Prince William, who was training to become an RAF pilot.

"Not only did he visit often, his well-recognised 'Duke of Edinburgh' scheme also ran in the county, which made a huge difference in enhancing the lives of many of our young people.

"The Duke was an enigmatic character and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Toby Dennis, Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, said: "Since February 6, 1952, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has been Her Majesty The Queen's "strength and stay all these years".

"Every day of their 73 years of married life Prince Philip has supported Her Majesty in all aspects of our present day Monarchy. President or Patron of over 780 organisations and his legacy of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme demonstrates his public work for which the national is eternally thankful.

"His passing will make us even more willing to serve Her Majesty, her heirs and her successors."

Michael Scott, Lincolnshire's High Sheriff, said: "I share the sadness of people across the globe following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. We remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service he has given as consort to Her Majesty The Queen.

"Before he stepped down from royal duties in 2017, he had attended over 20,000 events and we have been lucky enough to have welcomed him to Lincolnshire on many occasions going back to the 1950s. Whether it was supporting communities hit by devastating floods or the opening of major landmarks, he showed great humility, understanding and interest in our county."

The Union Flag will be flown at half-mast at County Offices in Newland, Lincoln until 8am on the day following the funeral which is anticipated to be Saturday, April 17.