Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced today, April 9, 2021.

“I know the people of the British Virgin Islands will join me in a period of mourning for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and that our thoughts will be with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time,” Governor Rankin said in a statement.

He said Arrangements will be made both online and in person for those wishing to offer condolences.

Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, died aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced today, April 9, 2021.

‘Friend to the British Virgin Islands’

According to the Governor, Prince Philip gave exemplary and loyal service throughout his life.

“His Royal Highness served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and helped to represent the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories, to the Commonwealth and across the world for seven decades.”

Prince Phillip, according to Governor Rankin, also inspired countless young people, including my own children, in his pioneering of the Duke of Edinburgh Award “and he was a friend to the British Virgin Islands, visiting in 1966 and again in 1977. We will remember him with great fondness and respect.”

Book of Condolence

Meanwhile, the Governor noted that condolence books will be available online at the www.royal.uk website “and we will be opening a book of condolence on Monday at the Old Government House Museum.”

Governor Rankin said the book will be open to the public from 11:00 am on Monday, April 12, 2021, until 3:00 pm, and then 10:00 am until 3:00 pm each day until the day before the funeral.