By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Leaders across the world are paying tribute to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, after Buckingham Place announced his death at the age of 99.
Prime ministers, presidents and kings from all over Europe, the Commonwealth and the rest of the planet are among those paying condolences after his passing was confirmed at midday on Friday.
A man of conviction, a grand figure of the century and a staunch exemplar of public service have all been among the descriptions lauded on the Queen’s husband.
Achievements mentioned within the hundreds of high-level international tributes were helping establish the post-war friendship between the UK and Germany, winning a place in the hearts of millions of Russians and changing the lives of children across the globe with his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, expressed his “deep condolences” to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family, the government and the people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their loss.
“Prince Philip was a remarkable public figure who lived an extraordinary life and who will be fondly remembered by many people around the world.”
Joe Biden, the US President praised the Duke for his public service, saying “his legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavours he shaped.”
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison set the tone within minutes of the announcement, declaring that Philip “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.
Recalling that Philip had visited the country more than 20 times, he said: “Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family. The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Phillip. God bless from all here in Australia.”
His words were echoed by others across the Commonwealth,
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said her thoughts would be with the Queen at this “profoundly sad time”.
She added: “Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. In over fifty years of the award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme”.
The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, saying “my thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family”.
Philip, he said, “had a distinguished career in the military and was at the forefront of many community service initiatives”.
Mr Modi met the Queen twice since he was first elected prime minister seven years ago – once in 2015, and once in 2018 when he also met Prince Charles.
During that second meeting, the Queen gifted Mr Modi a wedding present that she and Philip received in 1947 from Mahatma Gandhi. It was a piece of crocheted cotton made from yarn spun by Gandhi himself, featuring the words “Jai Hind” (“Go India!”) as its central motif.
And in Canada, prime minister JustinTrudeau, praised the the duke as a “man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others”.
He added: “Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world.”
President Vladimir Putin said he had sent the Queen a telegram expressing his “deep condolences” and wishing her “courage and fortitude in the face of a grievous and irreparable loss”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on this very sad day.”