Prince Philip has passed away in England at the age of 99. The Queen’s husband has been in failing health for weeks. He and the queen were married for more than 70 years.

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh last visited Saskatoon in 2005 when they toured the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron and Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Queen Elizabeth once famously referred to him as her “strength and stay”.

The official website of the Royal Family was made temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes were made to it but there was a notification that said, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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.”

Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan says, “As we mourn the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, I extend my deep sympathies to Her Majesty and The Royal Family. Mirasty says, “As the longest serving British consort, The Duke of Edinburgh led a rare and remarkable life. In addition to his lifelong support of Her Majesty, The Duke was Patron or President of over 800 organizations. The Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he founded in 1956, inspired millions of young people to serve their communities and to expand their knowledge through experience.”

Premier Scott Moe also passed along his condolences saying, “We share in this sorrow with millions of others across the Commonwealth and the world. It is our hope that the knowledge of the extraordinary impact that His Royal Highness had on so many people and organizations in his many decades of public life will provide comfort and solace.”

Flags on all Government of Saskatchewan buildings will be flown at half mast immediately and until sunset on the evening of His Royal Highness’ Funeral. A virtual book of condolence is available on the Lieutenant Governor’s Website.

The Prime Minister says, “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh.” Justin Trudeau refers to him as, “A man of great service to others – first as a decorated naval officer and later as a dedicated leader in the areas of community engagement and philanthropy. Trudeau says, “The Duke always sought out the best in people and challenged them to strive for greater heights.”

Over the years, Prince Philip maintained a special relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and became Colonel‑in‑Chief of six Canadian units. In 2011, he was named honorary general of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as honorary admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.

He was also the patron of more than forty organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and the Outward Bound Trust. During his last visit to Canada in April 2013, the Duke was named the first-ever Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada by the Governor General.

Trudeau says, “Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others. He will be fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen – a lifelong companion who was always at her side offering unfailing support as she carried out her duties. A family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The thoughts of Canadians are with Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the Royal Family as they mourn such a significant loss.”