Prince Philip: Glasgow pays tribute to Duke of Edinburgh after death

The Duke of Edinburgh, who had been married to the Queen for more than 70 years, passed away at the age of 99 this morning in Windsor Castle. 

He was the longest-serving consort in British history and - among many other things - was well known for the scheme named after his title which helped thousands of young people into employment and further education. 

READ MORE: Memories: When the Queen visited the Gorbals

Today Glasgow's Lord Provost, councillor Philip Braat, said: “The news of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, is a very sad day for the nation.

“I will be sending my deepest condolences from the people of Glasgow to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.

“Today, they are mourning a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a man who has been the Queen’s closest aide for many, many years.

Prince Philip had been married to the Queen for more than 70 years

“The Prince bore his recent illness with the same courage and determination that he lived his life and it is very sad to hear today that he has lost his battle.

“As a city, we will now pay our respects to the Royal Family in a dignified and appropriate way.”

Political parties have suspended campaigning for May's Holyrood elections, with the SNP, the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour, All for Unity and Reform UK confirming they would pause their efforts in a show of respect to the late Prince.

Nicola Sturgeon added: "I am saddened by the news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of the Scottish Government and the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family."

The First Minister discouraged those in mourning not to leave floral tributes 

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken confirmed the City Chambers' flag would fly at half-mast, writing: "Many Glaswegians will feel great sadness at this news. I join the Lord Provost in sending the city’s condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family." 

Labour leader Anas Sarwar wrote: "Scotland is today mourning the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh - a dedicated public servant.

"My thoughts are with the entire Royal Family and Her Majesty The Queen, following the death of her beloved husband." 

Philip - who visited Glasgow on a number of occasions - had returned to Windsor Castle on March 16 to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital – his longest ever stay.

He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.

The duke had looked gaunt as he was driven away from King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London, having been pushed in a wheelchair to the waiting car.

Philip – father to the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – was just two months away from his 100th birthday in June.

He spent much of the Covid-19 crisis staying with the Queen at Windsor in HMS Bubble – the nickname given to the couple’s reduced household of devoted staff during lockdown.

READ MORE: Prince Philip: Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99, Buckingham Palace confirms

TV schedules have been adjusted for coverage of the Duke of Edinburgh's death. BBC One has dropped all non-news programming for the rest of the day, including the Masterchef Final. Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale were all cancelled. 

Helen Dickson, the director of Philip's Duke of Edinburgh charity, said: "The Duke was a remarkable man who achieved so much in his life. It was through his sheer determination, drive and vision that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award became the success it is today.  

“The DofE started in Scotland which is a heritage we are incredibly proud of. This legacy has helped transform the lives of thousands of young people in Scotland, and millions more around the world. It remains as relevant to young people’s lives today as it ever was.” 

This is a developing story. More to follow...