Scott Morrison has paid tribute to Prince Philip on the morning after his death with a moving speech praising his life of service.
The Queen’s husband died at Windsor Castle on Friday aged 99 after a long illness, with his death confirmed at 9pm AEST.
Flags across Australia are flying at half staff and there will be a 41-gun salute outside Parliament House on Saturday in honour of the late royal.
The prime minister singled out the Duke of Edinburgh’s comfort to survivors of a bushfire in Tasmania in 1967 in his speech from Kiribilli House this morning.
‘As the Governor-General reminded us last night, he visited our country on more than 20 occasion,’ he said.
‘But there were also moments of deep compassion, in particular, in the terrible bushfires of 1967 in Tasmania, where he comforted the victims and he toured the burnt out Cascade Brewery.’
Scott Morrison has paid tribute to Prince Philip on the morning after his death with a moving speech praising his life of service
The Queen’s husband died at Windsor Castle on Friday aged 99 after a long illness
Prince Philip’s image cast above Piccadilly Circus following his death on Friday aged 99
Mr Morrison extended his sympathies to The Queen and assured her, and the British people, that Australia grieved with them.
‘On behalf of the Australian people, and the Australian government, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty and the royal family to the passing of the Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh,’ he said.
‘Your Majesty, here in Australia, and indeed across the world, your Commonwealth family joins in your sorrow and your morning and that of your family.
‘But also, we give thanks for the life of who you described as your strength and your stay. Your Prince, Prince Philip. Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.’
Mr Morrison went on to praise Prince Philip’s charitable commitment as patron of 50 organisations in Australia including the Duke of Edinburgh Award that 775,000 Australians have participated in.
‘The Duke’s life was one of the duty and of service, of loyalty and honour. Memories of him will of course tell stories of his candour, and a unique and forceful and authentic personality,’ he said.
‘But above all, he was a man who was steadfast, who could be relied upon, always standing by his Queen.
‘There are many towering figures that the world has lost and known, but few have been before us in our lifetimes for such a long time.
‘His presence and service a reassurance, a reminder of the stability we so often need to a world that can be so uncertain.’
‘With his passing, we say farewell to another of the greatest generation. The generation that defied tyranny, but one a piece, and built a liberal world order that protects and favours freedom.’
Mr Morrison said he felt particularly for the Queen, and asked she let Australia as a nation help her mourn and heal
Flags across Australia are flying at half staff and there will be a 41-gun salute outside Parliament House on Saturday in honour of the late royal
‘I am sure her Prince would join me in saying, God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save our Queen’
Mr Morrison said he felt particularly for the Queen, and asked she let Australia as a nation help her mourn and heal.
‘Above all, today, we think of our Queen. While your strengthand stay, your Majesty, may now have passed, Jenny and I pray that you will find great comfort in your faith and your family at this time.
‘But we also, your Majesty, say to you as a Commonwealth, let us also now be your strength and stay, asyou continue to endure, as you continue to serve so loyally and so faithfully, as you have done over so many generations.
‘She has been there for us over such a long time. Let us be there now for you, your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I am sure, one of your most sad of days.
‘I am sure her Prince would join me in saying, God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save our Queen.’
The prime minister singled out the Duke of Edinburgh ‘s comfort to survivors of a bushfire in Tasmania in 1967 in his speech from Kiribilli House this morning
The Queen on Friday announced with ‘deep sorrow’ the death of her husband
The Queen on Friday announced with ‘deep sorrow’ the death of her husband – who spent his final days at Windsor Castle after a 28-night stay in hospital for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian also offered her condolences to the Royal Family.
‘The Duke of Edinburgh had a strong and lengthy relationship with NSW, visiting our state many times during his life,’ the premier said.
‘While we mourn his passing at the age of 99, it is the occasion to offer thanks for a very long and dedicated life of service.’