WEST Mercia Police have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh following his death on Friday.

West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion called Prince Philip’s death “deeply saddening” while Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said the force’s “deepest condolences” were with Her Majesty The Queen as well as the entire royal family.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Philip’s ceremonial royal funeral will take place on Saturday, April 17, in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and a national minute’s silence will be observed as it begins at 3pm.

It will be a royal funeral like no other, with the Queen and her family following guidelines and wearing face masks and socially distancing as they gather to say their final farewell.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: “It is with great sadness we learn of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

“On behalf of West Mercia Police I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the royal family. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the life and service of the Duke of Edinburgh.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “The passing of Prince Philip is deeply saddening. He has been the rock at the heart of our monarchy, supporting Her Majesty The Queen in her service for many decades.

“His legacy is of stoic commitment to the monarchy, the many organisations he was a patron for, the thousands of young people he has supported through setting up the Duke of Edinburgh Award and of course the time he served in the British Royal Navy.

“My thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty and her family during this time.”