Following today's sad announcement from Buckingham Palace, Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, has released the following statement:
My deepest condolences to HM The Queen on the loss of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. From his career in the Royal Navy to being the longest royal consort in history, he dedicated his life to public service in the UK and the Commonwealth and will be sorely missed.
A Navy man through and through, his ability to plan and look ahead meant that he was able to draw on his experience, not only to support HM The Queen for 73 years but was able to address global issues long before they became fashionable. He was ahead of his time on the environment with his emphasis on wildlife conservation and protection of the environment.By looking back at his school days at Gordonstoun, he was able to develop the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The experience it provided will live on through the millions of young people around the world who took part in the scheme that helped empower them through building confidence, resilience and leadership skills and helping them to add value to their communities.
He was patron of hundreds of charities across a wide range of interests and a continued supporter of the Armed Forces throughout his life. His dedication and contribution to causes that may have gone unnoticed was an insight into his strength and resolve to make a difference.
Such differences have not least been seen and felt more so than his modernising approach to ensure that the Royal Family stay relevant and up to date. It was his influence that increased much wanted accessibility to our Royal Family for the over two billion people across the Commonwealth. His legacy of public service is one that is shared by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will no doubt continue for generations to come and I send my sympathies to the whole Royal Family at this time.
