Tributes have flooded in from faith leaders across the country following the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness, Philip Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said in a statement: "I join with the rest of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and give thanks to God for his extraordinary life of dedicated service. Prince Philip continually demonstrated his unfailing support and unstinting loyalty to Her Majesty The Queen for 73 years.
"He consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service. During his naval career, in which he served with distinction in the Second World War, he won the respect of his peers as an outstanding officer.
"On the occasions when I met him, I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his enquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at their ease and making them feel special.
"The legacy he leaves is enormous. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which he founded in 1956, has inspired generations of young people to help others and instilled in them a vision for citizenship and a desire to serve their communities. His work with countless charities and organisations reflected his wide-ranging, global interests in topics including wildlife, sport, design, engineering and inter-faith dialogue.
"In his powerful advocacy for conservation, his was a prophetic voice for over half a century, as he brought people from around the world to a new concern and commitment to action for the future of our planet.
"As we recover and rebuild after the terrible trial of the coronavirus pandemic, we will need fortitude and a deep sense of commitment to serving others.
"Throughout his life Prince Philip displayed those qualities in abundance, and I pray that we can take inspiration from his example.
"I also join many people in giving thanks for the marriage of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip, and for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Theirs was a marriage grounded in friendship and mutual respect and sustained by shared faith in Christ.
"I pray that God will comfort Her Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family at this time. May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory."
The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell called the Duke Of Edinburgh "a remarkable man who lived a life of service dedicated to his country, to his wife, Queen Elizabeth II and his family."
"His faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of his life and one which shaped who he was."
"Do join me in praying for members of the Royal Family as they mourn and may God bring them comfort. As we give thanks to God for a life lived to the full, may Prince Philip rest in peace and rise in glory."
Cardinal Nichols said on Twitter: "At this moment of sadness and loss, I pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip, Her Majesty the Queen's faithful and loyal husband. I pray for the Queen and all of the Royal Family."
The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally said on Twitter: "Her Majesty the Queen's words about her husband Prince Philip over 20 years ago remain as true today: we own him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know. My prayers are with The Queen and the Royal Family. I pray they may know God's comfort and peace."
The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, said Philip had been a "rock" in the Queen's life and had "steadfastly remained" at her side throughout their marriage.
"For his gifts and talents, for the benefits that his life brought to the lives of others, for his sense of duty and calling, and for his many evident and admirable qualities and attributes, we should give thanks and pray that he might be at peace, free from human frailty, and in new life with Christ," the archbishop said.
He said the "love and prayers" of many from the Church in Wales would be with the Queen and her family following the duke's death.
Bible Society paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in a statement: "Bible Society extends its deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.
"Her Majesty – Bible Society's Patron since her accession in 1952 – relied on his loving support for more than 70 years, describing him as her 'strength and stay'. Chief Executive Paul Williams said: ‘We join with millions in giving thanks to God for his contribution to the life of our nation, and most of all for his long and loving partnership with our Queen. We pray for her, for Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, and for all who mourn his loss. ‘May God bless them and comfort them in their grief, and assure them of his loving purposes for them.’"
The United Reformed Church also expressed its sadness at the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9 aged 99 and urged Christians to reflect on Psalm 107: 23-31.
Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the mighty waters;
they saw the deeds of the Lord,
his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their calamity;
they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out from their distress;
he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.