Prince Philip dies: world leaders react

President Joe Biden is among world leaders who paid tribute to Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, following the news of Philip’s death on Friday morning.

In a statement, the Bidens offered their “deepest condolences” to the royal family and then praised the Duke of Edinburgh’s incredible life, which spanned just a few months a century.

“Over the course of his 99 years of life, he has seen our world change drastically and on several occasions,” said Joe and Jill Biden. “From his service in WWII, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye – Prince Philip has willingly dedicated himself to the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and his family .

Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump also paid tribute to Prince Philip.

In his statement, Trump praised the prince for “his outstanding example of service, consistency and patriotism,” recognizing his military career in the Royal Navy.

“Over the past few years Melania and I have been honored to have the opportunity to visit the UK. We have seen firsthand how the monarchy embodies and perpetuates the virtues of the British people – and no one has done it more than Prince Philip, ”Trump said.

The Obamas chose to remember Prince Philip as “kind and warm, with a quick wit and unfailing good humor.”

Their joint statement referred to a memory of their first meeting with the royal couple in 2009.

“As two Americans unfamiliar with palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremony into something much more natural, if not comfortable, ”they wrote.

“Side by side with or behind the usual two steps,” said the Obamas, “Prince Philip has shown the world what it means to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman.”

Former US President George Bush also issued a declaration saying that he and his wife Laura were “saddened” to learn of Prince Philip’s death.

“Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and spirit of his business, and we know how much we will miss him,” said Bush. “We join those around the world in offering our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the entire Royal Family.”

In the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared on the steps of 10 Downing Street to honor Philip with an address to the nation.

“Like the expert car driver that he was, he helped lead the Royal Family and the Monarchy to remain an institution unquestionably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life,” Johnson said.

The Prime Minister called on the UK to send his best wishes and support to the royal family, who he said had lost “a devoted husband and father, grandfather and, in recent years, a proud and loving great-grandfather ”.

Former British prime ministers Theresa May and David Cameron were also among those who issued statements of condolence.

May said an “extraordinary debt of gratitude” was owed to the 99-year-old for his life serving the Queen and the country, while Cameron described his death as “hopelessly sad news”.

Around the world, other leaders have paid tribute to Prince Philip, including Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, where the Queen is also head of state.

“A family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” Trudeau said in a declaration. “The thoughts of Canadians are with Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family as they mourn such a significant loss.

Prince Philip was the patron of over 40 organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Institute for Aeronautics and Space and the Outward Bound Trust.

His service earned him the very first Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada, presented to him by the Governor General of Canada during his last visit to the country in 2013.

The Duke, born in 1921, is also remembered by other royal families across Europe.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark posted a portrait of Prince Philip on Instagram along with a statement sharing that she had sent personal condolences to her British counterpart.

Prince Philip was a great-grandson of King Christian IX, who was King of Denmark from 1863 until his death in 1906.

King Harald V of Norway requested that the flags be half-masted from his palace balcony on Friday and on the day of Philip’s funeral. News of Philip’s death was received with “great sadness,” said the Norwegian monarch.

In Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf said in a declaration that he and Queen Silvia were “deeply saddened” by the news.

“Prince Philip has been a great friend of our family for many years, a relationship that we deeply appreciate,” said the Swedish ruler. “His service to his country will remain an inspiration to us all.”

The Dutch royal family – King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix – also issued a condolence statement sharing how “Prince Philip’s spirited personality has never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression”.

Here are some of the tributes other leaders shared.