In memory of The Duke of Edinburgh

Lieutenant Governor’s statement​

It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in his 99th year.

As royal consort, His Royal Highness was an invaluable support to Her Majesty The Queen, who has referred to him as her “constant strength and guide”. He accompanied the Queen to ceremonies, state dinners, and tours abroad, including more than 20 Canadian royal tours, and was in 1957 appointed to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

His Royal Highness also made many visits to Canada by himself, on private, personal, and official business related to his many interests in this country, including his patronage of more than forty organizations.

On his last visit to Canada, in April 2013, he presented new regimental colours to the Third Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, of which he served as Colonel in Chief since 1953. During the visit, Prince Philip was invested as an Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada in recognition of His Royal Highness’ lasting concern for Canada and his many contributions to the institutions and events that have helped shape our nation.

Born into the turmoil of Europe between the World Wars, a decorated war hero who saw action as an officer in the Royal Navy, and an accomplished sportsman, The Duke of Edinburgh was a remarkable personality in his own right.

He served as patron or president of some 800 organizations, reflective of his myriad interests in science, technology, industry, sport, interfaith dialogue, youth development, and the environment. As a keen outdoorsman and conservationist, in 1961 he co-founded and later became president of the World Wildlife Fund. An avid equestrian throughout his life, the Prince was a skilled polo player and engaged in competitive horse carriage driving.

The death of His Royal Highness will be mourned across the Commonwealth and throughout the world, especially by those whose lives he profoundly affected through the award scheme he founded in 1956 to support the personal development of young people. Since its inception, more than seven million people in 130 countries have taken part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Here in Canada—where the award was launched in 1963 and has since challenged almost 40,000 participants—it offers initiatives aimed at youth at risk, young offenders, young people with disabilities, and Northern and Indigenous young people.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandparent, and he will be truly missed.