In tribute, PM Modi hails Prince Philip's 'distinguished career in the military'; world leaders mourn British royal's demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a tribute to Prince Philip who passed away at the age of 99 on Friday. In his tweet, the prime minister praised Philip for his "distinguished" career in the military.

"My thoughts are with the British people and the Royal Family on the passing away of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," Modi said. The PM also said that Queen Elizabeth II's husband was at the forefront of many community service initiatives.




Congress leader and MP for Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor paid his condolences to the British royal family and recalled the time when the Duke of Edinburgh had once described himself as the "world's most experienced plaque unveiler."


The royal family earlier today broke the news of Philip's passing and said that he died peacefully at Windsor Castle. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle," the statement read.

Philip's wife Elizabeth became queen in 1952 while on a trip to Kenya when her father passed away.

Current and former world leaders joined a chorus of condolences from around the world. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Philip's "extraordinary life and work", sending his condolences to Queen Elizabeth after her husband's death was announced. Johnson said the Duke of Edinburgh "earned the affection of generations" at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world.



Calling him "a man of foresight, determination and courage", former prime minister Tony Blair hailed Philip's public service. "He was often way ahead of his time in protection of the environment, in reconciliation between religious faiths," he said, highlighting his environmental work.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Philip and wished Elizabeth "courage and mental fortitude in the face of a grievous and irreparable loss". "He rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and internationally," a statement from the Kremlin cited Putin as saying.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was "saddened" by Philip's death, adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Philip a "a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others", in a tribute on behalf of his Commonwealth nation. He will be "fondly remembered as a constant in the life of our Queen" he said.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in his country after the passing of Philip, who he said "embodied a generation that we will never see again". "The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia," said the leader of the Commonwealth nation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his "deepest condolences" the the Royal family.

"Prince Philip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world," he wrote.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte sent his condolences to the British PM after hearing the "sad news".

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with Britain's Royal Family and the British people at this time of mourning."

Former US president George W. Bush said Philip had represented his country "with dignity", honouring his "remarkable life". "He devoted himself to worthy causes and to others," Bush said in a statement.