Flags are flying at half-mast across the county as Cambridgeshire mourns the sad death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh today.

Statement from Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire:

I would like to convey to Her Majesty The Queen, the deep sympathy felt by the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on hearing the sad news of the death of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh.

While the whole country mourns, this can be as nothing to the feelings of The Queen who has lost not just her husband of 73 years, but also her most steadfast support throughout the whole of her reign, as the longest serving British Consort. And of course, to his family who have lost a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

We will remember him with love and affection for the frequent visits he has made to this county, which included the period he served as Chancellor of Cambridge University. We also reflect on how he was a man ahead of his time, in particular for his interest in, and promotion of, the natural world – particularly through his work as President of the World Wildlife Fund. This is a passion he has handed down to his children and grandchildren – most notably HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of Cambridge – where his legacy will undoubtedly continue.

We will also remember him for the contribution he has made to so many people’s lives through initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This scheme has given so much to so many generations of young people bequeathing to them his own love of outdoor activity, adventure, and service to others – setting many on their path for life.