LEADERS of Shropshire Council have paid tribute to HRH Prince Philip.

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Friday afternoon that The Duke of Edinburgh had died at the age of 99.

A statement issued by the Royal Family said he passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

Tributes have been paid after the news broke, with chairman of Shropshire Council, Ann Hartley, stating that the whole county is ‘deeply saddened’.

She said: “The people of Shropshire are in mourning and their thoughts are with The Queen and the Royal Family at this time.

“The Union Jack flag will be flown at half-mast at Shirehall from today, until 8am on the day following the funeral.”

Shropshire Council leader, Peter Nutting, sent condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the council.

He said: “I am profoundly saddened by the news of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of everyone at Shropshire Council, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.

“I know the people of Shropshire will join us in mourning and offer their sincere condolences during this time.

“I am sure we will all be looking for our own way to remember and reflect on his life.”

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, added: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

“There is no doubt that his devotion to HM The Queen was an enduring source of strength and comfort. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family.”

He reminded residents in the county to continue following lockdown restrictions as they mourn, and added that there will e opportunity to ‘come together, reflect and mourn’ when it is safe to do so.

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, paid tribute to Prince Philip’s dedication to duty.

She said: “I am sure I speak for the people of Shropshire in expressing the huge sadness on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

“We remember him with affection and gratitude for his support to the Queen, his sense of fun and his dedication to duty.

“Many young people are especially thankful for his initiation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and his work with wildlife, sport and the Armed Forces.

“We shall miss him, and offer our greatest sympathy to The Queen and the Royal Family on their loss of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and friend.”

Oswestry mayor, Cllr Duncan Kerr, added: “Please know that our Town, and all of us at Oswestry Town Council, are deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh.  

"The people of Oswestry are in mourning and their thoughts are with the Royal Family.

"Some people will remember that The Duke of Edinburgh visited Park Hall, and many residents will have participated in his award scheme.”

Meanwhile, mayor of Wem – whose council buildings are named in honour of the Duke – Cllr Phil Glover said: "On behalf of the Councillors, staff and residents of Wem I wish to express the great sadness felt here at the news of the death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time and we are making arrangements to help resident so they can express their thoughts."