In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed New Zealand’s sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family. “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”.
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The Royal Family Twitter account confirmed the news on Friday night. The 99-year-old prince had recently been hospitalised in February 2021 for what Buckingham Palace said was a precautionary measure after he felt ill.
Ardern says flags on all government buildings and naval vessels will be flown at half-mast and following his funeral a national memorial service will be held in Wellington.
During his lifetime Prince Philip visited New Zealand 15 times - 10 with the Queen, and five without her.
In 1953 he was at the side of the newly crowned Queen as the couple visited 46 towns and attended 110 functions. New Zealanders will also remember The Duke of Edinburgh s enormous support for Her Majesty The Queen, Ardern says.
9 April 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today
expressed New Zealand’s sorrow at the death of His Royal
Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“Our
thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly
sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the
Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences
to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family.
“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
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