UPDATED: THE Union flag is being flown at half-mast at Warrington Town Hall following the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh earlier today, aged 99, while later a two minutes silence was observed at the town’s cenotaph.
Mayor of Warrington Cllr Maireen Creaghan issued a statement on behalf of the town along with leader of the council Cllr Russ Bowden.
Cllr Creaghan said: “I speak on behalf of Warrington Borough Council and the people of our borough in expressing my sadness at the news of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. We will join with our communities in Warrington, and indeed around the world, in mourning his loss.
“We thank him for his dedicated national service and support to Her Majesty The Queen over many, many years.
“The flag at Warrington Town Hall will be flown at half-mast with immediate effect as a mark of respect.
“All civic and council-run meetings and events scheduled are currently being reviewed during this period of mourning.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Bowden responded to the news of the death by saying: “Prince Philip served our country with dedication, from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy to his many years of committed and devoted service in support of Her Majesty the Queen.
“It is right that we recognise and respect that exemplary public duty. We will collectively mourn the loss of Prince Philip and I join the people of Warrington in expressing my sadness at his passing today.
“This morning I asked for the Warrington Town Hall flag to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect to the Duke of Edinburgh and I hope that we can all take a moment to think and reflect on his extraordinary public service.”
Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “All of our thoughts are today with The Queen and members of the Royal Family following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
“The Duke dedicated his life to public service, this country and the Commonwealth.
“He led an extraordinary life, notably as a distinguished Naval officer and later in setting up the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, which has shaped and inspired the lives of thousands of young people here in Warrington and around the world.
“Most importantly today we pay tribute for his steadfast support as husband and Consort to Her Majesty the Queen.
Further information will be made available in due course through the Royal Family website.
On Friday evening, a small social distanced gathering took place at Warrington Cenotaph, co-ordinated by local resident Julie Francis, who arranged for the Union flag to be flown at half-mast while two minutes silence was observed.
Meanwhile, local Photographer Eddie Whitham, recalls capturing images of Prince Philip at the Alnwick Castle in 2003 and also playing polo at Oulton Park with a young Prince Charles in the 1950s.
Very sad news this Lunchtime, the announcement that his Royal Highness Prince Philip has passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle.
The Royal Family join with people here in Warrington and around the world to mourning his loss. https://t.co/gtqid8uEMn
— Andy Carter MP (@MrAndy_Carter) April 9, 2021
