Mayor Jack Dempsey has expressed condolences on behalf of the Bundaberg Region community to Her Majesty the Queen on the passing of her husband, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
“The Prince visited Bundaberg with the Queen during the royal tour of 1954,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“He was much loved by Australians for his sharp wit. He was revered for his service during wartime, loyalty to the Queen and the Commonwealth.”
The Australian Government has an online condolence book at https://www.pmc.gov.au/pmc/condolences-form.
“Council will have hard-copy condolence books available for people to sign at customer service centres from Monday afternoon,” the Mayor said.
“And flags will fly at half mast out of respect for the Duke and Her Majesty.”
Sad and historic day
Governor-General David Hurley said it's a sad and historic day.
“As we mourn, we should also reflect and give thanks for His Royal Highness’ lifetime of service, devotion and commitment,” His Excellency said.
“Service beginning with his time in the Royal Navy – including during the Second World War when he was mentioned in dispatches while a young sub-Lieutenant on-board HMS Valiant.
“Devotion to Her Majesty The Queen, whom he married in 1947 and lovingly supported throughout his life, and to the entire Royal Family.
“And commitment to the Commonwealth and the many hundreds of organisations, including many here in Australia, of which he served as Patron and for whom he was a passionate advocate and supporter.
“His Royal Highness visited Australia 21 times over the years, including on each of Her Majesty’s State Visits.
“He was a popular, engaged and welcome visitor to our shores.
“His impact was profound – not least on the more than 775,000 young Australians who have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award since it began here in 1959.
“Many Australians will have a personal memory of His Royal Highness and many around the world will, in coming days, reflect on his remarkable life and legacy.
“As we reflect and remember, we think especially of Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, who have lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“On behalf of the Australian people, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty and family, the people of the Commonwealth and to all those who share in this sad news.
“We give thanks for the Duke of Edinburgh’s service, his loyal and loving devotion to Her Majesty and his commitment to Australia, The Commonwealth and all her people.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians join the Queen in her sorrow and mourning.
“There are many towering figures that the world has lost and known but few have been before us in our lifetimes for such a long time,” Mr Morrison said.
“His presence and service a reassurance, a reminder of the stability we so often need in a world that can be so uncertain.
“With his passing, we say farewell to another of the greatest generation. The generation that defied tyranny, that won a peace, and built a liberal world order that protects and favours freedom.
“An order that indeed Australia still shelters under for our own peace and prosperity and stability to this day.
“But above all, today, we think of our Queen. While your strength and stay, Your Majesty, may now have passed, Jenny and I pray that you will find great comfort in your faith and your family at this time.
“But we also, Your Majesty, say to you as a Commonwealth, let us also now be your strength and stay, as you continue to endure, as you continue to serve so loyally and so faithfully, as you have done over so many generations.
“She has been there for us over such a long time. Let us be there now for you, Your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I am sure, one of your most sad of days.
“I am sure her Prince would join me in saying: God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save our Queen.”
My family are sending our Condolences to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth on the loss of your Prince. Today his Royal Highness Prince Phillip received his Angel wings. He was a lovely man & was always by your side & with you in your heart forever. I hope your family will be close for you always with alot of love.????❤❤????????????
Ruhe in Frieden ????????????