Many leaders around the World have paid tribute to Britain’s Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on Friday at the age of 99.
Many African leaders paid tribute including Senegal’s President Macky Sall said of the Duke of Edinburgh:
“I would like to salute the memory of his Highness, Prince Philip of Great Britain, who has died. I present my condolences to the Queen Elizabeth II, as well as to the British people.”
Zimbabwe‘s President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his condolences in a Tweet, saying “may his soul rest in peace.”
Prince Philip was born in Greece and served throughout the Second World War. He is famed for his deep sense of public duty.
Kenya Mourns
In Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta said, “His Royal Highness Prince Philip has been a towering symbol of family values and the unity of the British people as well as the entire global community.”
It was in Kenya where the royal couple learned Elizabeth’s father had died and she was now Queen.
Their lives changed after that and he ended his career in the navy.
The news of his Royal Highness’s death was seen everywhere on Kenyan TV and people expressed support.
Nigeria‘s President Muhammadu Buhari said he was a “global icon“. In a statement, he said the Commonwealth will remember the prince “for generations to come”.
Zambia‘s President Edgar Lunga also sent his condolences.
The head of the World Trade Organization Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala praised him for founding the Earthshot Prize council, an environmental award that she is involved with.
Meanwhile in Malawi, although his passing is sad, people said the focus should be on his life.
“It is sad yes because we have lost a life but then looking at the age he was, I guess it’s a celebratory thing. We need to celebrate the Prince’s life and no need for crying,” said Lilongwe resident Maxwell Kalulu.
Ex-President Obama was also a Fan.
Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to the late Prince Philip and recalled his first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II’s husband in a heartfelt statement released hours after the announcement of his death.
“When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev,” the statement said.
“As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect,” it continued.
“We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable,” Obama added.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church also noted the prince’s “commitment to the education and advancement of future generations“.
The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, wrote to the Queen and Prince Charles, saying the Duke would be remembered for having lived a meaningful life.
President Xi Jinping of China also sent his condolences to Queen Elizabeth.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”