'His legacy will live on': Joe and Jill Biden honor Prince Philip's WWII service, his dedication to the British people and his 73-year marriage to the Queen after his death at 99

  • President Joe Biden paid tribute to Prince Phillip and sent their condolences to the Royal Family in a statement released Friday
  • The statement was released four hours and 25 minutes after news broke of Philip's death – and after several other world leaders already paid their respects
  • Former Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter were the first of the former presidents to honor him 
  • The Palace announced Friday morning that Philip died overnight at the age of 99

Joe and Jill Biden paid tribute to Prince Philip's service in the Second World War, his dedication to the British people and his 73-year marriage to the Queen in a statement after his death at the age of 99.

In a statement released five hours after Buckingham Palace released his death, and a number of world leaders had already paid respect, the first couple said his 'children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are in their hearts'

'On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh,' the White House statement reads. 

'Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly,' the statement continued. 'From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family.'

'The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped.' 

'Jill and I are keeping the Queen and to Prince Philip's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time,' the statement reads. 

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden finally released a statement sending his condolences to the Royal Family around five hours after news broke of Prince Philip's death

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden finally released a statement sending his condolences to the Royal Family around five hours after news broke of Prince Philip's death

While the Biden's never met the Queen and Philip ¿ even during their eight years as vice president and second lady ¿ they were very involved in Prince Harry's (right) military charities

While the Biden's never met the Queen and Philip – even during their eight years as vice president and second lady – they were very involved in Prince Harry's (right) military charities

Then-Vice President Biden puts his arms around Harry's shoulder in 2016 during a wheelchair rugby match in Orlando, Florida

Then-Vice President Biden puts his arms around Harry's shoulder in 2016 during a wheelchair rugby match in Orlando, Florida

The Royal Family released a statement early Friday that Prince Philip died at age 99 overnight

The Royal Family released a statement early Friday that Prince Philip died at age 99 overnight

READ: Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Passing of Prince Philip of the United Kingdom 

On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family. The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped.

Jill and I are keeping the Queen and to Prince Philip's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time.

Advertisement

President Biden never met the Queen or Philip – even during the eight years as vice president – but he and Jill are heavily involved with Prince Harry's military charities. 

Jill Biden never met Prince Philip either, but she has met the Queen.

'She has a close relationship with Harry, and her heart is with him and the family today,' Jill's spokesperson Michael LaRosa told press during a trip to Alabama Friday. 

The president's office was silent for four hours and 25 minutes regarding the Duke of Edinburgh's death at the age of 99.  

Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, who is 96, expressed their condolences early Friday morning.  

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter led the U.S. in paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter led the U.S. in paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

Carter's Presidential Library released a photo of him and other heads of state dining with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the G7 Summit in London in 1977

Carter's Presidential Library released a photo of him and other heads of state dining with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the G7 Summit in London in 1977

Here Bush shakes hands with Philip, as Queen Elizabeth II and then-first lady Laura Bush stand by their side, during a state visit to London in 2003

Here Bush shakes hands with Philip, as Queen Elizabeth II and then-first lady Laura Bush stand by their side, during a state visit to London in 2003

Pelosi released a statement on behalf of the entire U.S. Congress expressing their condolences

Pelosi released a statement on behalf of the entire U.S. Congress expressing their condolences

World leaders honor Prince Philip

USA

George W Bush: 'He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength.' 

Germany

Angela Merkel: 'His friendship with Germany, his straightforwardness and his sense of duty will not be forgotten.'

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas: 'He lived a long life of service to his country.'

EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen: 'I am saddened to hear of his passing.'

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier: 'His commitment to democracy and freedom will be remembered.'

France

Michel Barnier: 'Sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family.'

Europe minister Clement Beaune: 'Prince Philip was a grand figure of the century.'

Australia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison: 'He embodied a generation that we will never see again' 

New Zealand

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: 'My sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family.'

Russia 

Vladimir Putin: 'He rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and international prestige.'

Canada

Justin Trudeau: 'Prince Philip was a man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others.'

Ireland

Prime Minister Micheal Martin: 'Thoughts and prayers with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom.'

Foreign minister Simon Coveney: 'Sincere condolences to all British people.'

First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster: 'The loss will be felt across the world.'

Sweden

Carl XVI Gustaf: 'A good friend of our family, a friendship we have placed great value on.'

Norway

King Harald: 'Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth and the rest of her family.'

Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima: 'His lively personality never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression.'

Prime Minister Mark Rutte: 'Our thoughts and sympathy are with Britain's Royal Family and the British people.'

Belgium

King Philippe and Queen Sofia: 'Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip.' 

Denmark

Queen Margrethe: 'Her Majesty has sent personal condolences to Queen Elizabeth.' 

India

Prime Minister Narenda Modi: 'May his soul rest in peace'

Israel 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: 'He was the consummate public servant and will be much missed.'

President Reuven Rivlin: 'May his memory be a blessing.' 

Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa: 'May his soul rest in eternal peace.' 

Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta: 'Prince Philip has been a towering symbol of family values and the unity of the British people.'

Qatar 

Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: 'My sincere condolences and sympathies to Her Majesty.'

Advertisement

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sent a statement Friday – leading the international response.  

'It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh today,' Trudeau tweeted in a statement. 'A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country - and the world.'

'Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of all Canadians are with her and the entire Royal Family as they mourn this significant loss.'  

 

Other than Trudeau other world leaders honoring Prince Phillip include the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern, India's Narenda Modi and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Meanwhile Europe's royals, including the kings of Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands also expressed their condolences, with Dutch King Willem-Alexander calling Philip: 'A lively personality [who] never ceased to leave an unforgettable impression.'  

Obama wrote in his tweet: 'Through his extraordinary example, His Royal Highness Prince Philip proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, and the British people.'

He included an image of himself and former first lady Michelle Obama with the Queen and Philip.

Bush said in a statement from himself and his wife: 'Laura and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.'

'Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others,' he continued in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's husband. 'He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign.'

A statement from Carter's Presidential Library states: 'We are sorry to hear that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.' 

Both Bush, 74, and Carter, 96, met with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip when they were in office. 

Carter's library included an image of him and other heads of state dining with them in May 1977 during the G7 Summit in London.

Bush also remembered: 'Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed. We join those around the world offering heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the entire Royal Family.'

No comments have been shared yet from Former Presidents Bill Clinton or Donald Trump – though Biden's predecessor's office says a statement is coming. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement Friday on behalf of the entire U.S. Congress.

'The US Congress extends condolences over the passing of Prince Philip, whose life was distinguished by an inspiring ethic of dedicated service,' she wrote on Twitter. 'May it be a comfort to Her Majesty & the Royal family that so many mourn with & pray for them at this sad time.' 

The Queen announced on Friday morning with 'deep sorrow' the death of Philip at the age of 99, her 'strength and guide' throughout their 73-year marriage and her 69-year reign. 

The Duke of Edinburgh spent his final days at Windsor Castle with his wife, who he lovingly called Lilibet throughout their long life together, after a 28-night stay in hospital having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.

The Royal Family said in a statement: 'It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

'His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss'.

Her Majesty, who remains at Windsor Castle, is now expected to enter an eight-day period of mourning. She will not carry out any duties, even in private, while laws will not be given the Royal Assent and affairs of state will also be paused.