Harrogate MP pays tribute after death of Prince Philip is announced by Buckingham Palace

Harrogate and Knaresborough's MP has paid tribute to Prince Philip who passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
Sad day for the nation - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said the late Duke of Edinburgh's record of public service had been "second to none."Sad day for the nation - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said the late Duke of Edinburgh's record of public service had been "second to none."
Sad day for the nation - Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said the late Duke of Edinburgh's record of public service had been "second to none."

Andrew Jones MP said the Duke of Edinburgh, who was the longest-serving consort in British history and was married to Her Majesty The Queen for 73 years, had a record of public service "second to none."

He also added that it was right that all political campaigning, both local and national, including the Bilton by-election and the PFCC elections for North Yorkshire, should be halted as a mark of respect.

Mr Andrew Jones MP's statement on Prince Philip reads:

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"The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh is a sad time for our nation.

"Prince Philip had a life-long record of public service to The Queen, to our country and to the many organisations he supported. It is a record that is second-to-none and my thoughts are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family and Prince Philip’s many friends at this time.

"Prince Philip’s role as consort to The Queen is his best-known contribution to our nation’s life but there was much more to this exceptional man. He was part of a generation which suffered the privations and dangers of war as a serving officer in the Royal Navy, where he was commended for his bravery in action.

"He was an active member, patron or President of around 780 organisations and founded the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme helping young people move forward in their lives and careers. That scheme alone made a difference to the lives of millions. His environmental work over many decades, his championing of conservation of the natural world, helped change worldwide opinion.

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"But while celebrating his record of service we should remember that he was a family man. As we mourn the passing of an outstanding national figure his family mourn the passing of so much more; a husband of 73 years, a companion, a mentor to generations, a source of support to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"It is right at this moment of national mourning that election campaign is suspended and I have asked that local campaigning by the Conservative Party for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections and the Bilton and Nidd Gorge county council by election be suspended.

"I know that other parties will want to join in observing this suspension too as a mark of respect for this formidable, long-serving, brilliant public servant."

Buckingham Palace announced the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II's husband aged 99 saying "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

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Buckingham Palace said further announcements would be made "in due course".

Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on 16 March after spending a month in hospital.

Among those paying tributes to Prince Philip was Julian Smith CBE, MP for Skipton and Ripon, who said: "I am extremely sad that Prince Philip has died.

"I was privileged to meet him on a number of occasions as MP and as Vice Chamberlain.

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"He was always engaged, passionate and had a fantastic sense of humour.

"We owe him so much for his commitment and decades of support to our Queen."

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid his own tribute earlier today.

He said: "Prince Philip helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.

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

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