Isle Of Wight Pays Tribute To Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Philip

The Isle of Wight's dignitaries have been paying tribute to Prince Philip, who has died aged 99.

Scroll for a video of the Duke sailing at Cowes...

The Duke of Edinburgh was a familiar face on the Isle of Wight, having played a key part in the Cowes sailing scene.

In 1952 he raced off Cowes in a Dragon class boat owned by the Queen and himself called 'Bluebottle', which was a wedding present from the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. He finished third - winning £1.

The Duke passed away at Windsor Castle today (Friday), Buckingham Palace has announced and was the longest-serving consort to any serving monarch in our history.

During the 60s he was Commodore of Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron (the Queen is its Patron) and remained Admiral of the Squadron until his death.

Prince Philip visited Cowes in August 2016, to present the Queen's Award for Enterprise to Spinlock in Cowes, which designs and manufactures sailing equipment. 

The Isle of Wight's Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon has been paying her respects:

"It's a very sad time, but a life well-lived I think. He was humorous, he was outspoken but his values were so strong and his family values were so strong. A really good man."

"I met him a couple of times at the Royal Yacht Squadron. As commodore of the Yacht Squadron, my husband knew him much better. But he was always entertaining. I will never forget that in 2016, when he was 96, he came to Cowes Week and spoke at the cruise dinner to all the youngsters at the Squadron.

"At 10 o'clock at night, after a good dinner he got up and spoke without notes entertainingly to 200 young crew in the Royal Yacht Squadron Pavillion. That is an extraordinary talent because most of us couldn't do it at any age. Let alone 96. He was very special."

In 2012, he also visited twice with the Queen as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and to meet Island businesses.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart recalled his Island visits:

"I can think of seeing the Royal Family as they arrived at Cowes to visit the Royal Yacht Squadron and other iconic places. And indeed for the older people amongst us, seeing the Royal Yacht itself off the Island for 24 hours.

"We've all got fantastic memories of our Royal Family, but this is definitely a sad day."

The Isle of Wight's MP has also paid tribute to him.

The Duke was Colonel-In-Chief of Bob Seely's unit in the army.

Mr Seely told Isle of Wight Radio:

"It's a very sad day. Above all my thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, he was her life-long companion and he was the longest serving consort to any British monarch in her history. It's a sad day for all of us.

"The Duke of Edinburgh did actually sign some documents that I have got on my wall as he was colonel in chief in my unit in the army. I have actually got his signature on a document that he was kind enough to send me.

"I hope in the next few weeks, as well as the sadness, we'll remember all of the good things and the important reasons for respecting very much what he's done for this country. He was a man who has served our nation since he was a young man in the Royal Navy and World War Two."

it's with great sadness to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Phillip.. our thoughts are with HRH the Queen and all of the royal family. pic.twitter.com/WetzzER3np

— Ryde Fire, Green watch IWFRS (@IWFRSRYDE) April 9, 2021

As we mourn the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we are lowering our flags to half mast. He lived a life of selfless service to the country and our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the entire British Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/BaOoEM5FgY

— Wightlink Ferries (@wightlinkferry) April 9, 2021

Our condolences to the @RoyalFamily and to those affected by the loss of HRH Prince Philip. Our team will be sharing their messages in the book of condolence: https://t.co/GrTd4GiKRR https://t.co/3E1CNl44nG

— Isle of Wight NHS Trust (@IOWNHS) April 9, 2021

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. All of the team at Freshwater Fire Station pass on our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/5fUy9y0BnC

— Friends of Freshwater Fire Station (@FreshwaterFire) April 9, 2021

Isle of Wight Radio has been told the flags at Osborne, Carisbrooke Castle and at Yarmouth Castle will half-mast.

Watch a video of the Duke sailing at Cowes below.

Isle of Wight Radio will update this article throughout the day.