Tributes have flood in wake of His Royal Highness Prince Philip's passing, aged 99, announced by Buckingham Palace late last night.
He was the longest serving consort after 70 years alongside the Queen.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last night expressed New Zealand’s sorrow at the death of Prince Philip.
“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time. On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Her Majesty and to all the Royal Family," she said in a statement.
“Prince Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to so many young New Zealanders through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. In over 50 years of The Award in New Zealand, thousands of young people have completed life-changing challenges through the programme”.
National Party leader Judith Collins this morning shared in offering condolences to the royal family, highlighting his "impressive" dedication to the Commonwealth.
"His dedication to the people of the Commonwealth through many decades of service and charitable endeavours was truly impressive," she said in a statement.
"His legacy will live on for many decades."
Prince Philip launched the Duke of Edinburgh Award 65 years ago, it's now spanned across 130 nations around the globe aiming to help youth give back to their communities.
New Zealand's National Director of the Duke of Edinburgh Award has praised the Prince's contributions made towards supporting the achievements of young people.
"[His] belief in the infinite potential of young people, coupled with his championing of non-formal education and learning positioned him as a leader and thinker of truly global stature."
Prince Harry and Meghan were also among the first from within the family to pay tribute to the senior royal, posting on their nonprofit organisation's website.
"Thank you for your service ... you will be greatly missed," the couple shared.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reflected back on the Duke of Edinburgh's life, praising his committment to The Queen.
"The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless here from Australia."
Scott Morrison gave thanks to Duke of Edinburgh's decades of commitment to the Commonwealth. (Source: Other)
Constantine, the former King of Greece, told the Associated Press Prince Philip was a "remarkable man".
The Duke of Edinburgh's relative says he will be deeply missed and will be forever remembered for his "forward thinking, sharp wit and his constant encouraging support" of The Queen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the "extraordinary" life and legacy left behind by Prince Philip after decades of service.
"As a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and, above all, as Her Majesty The Queen's loyal consort."
The British leader paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, saying his death has left a "kingdom united in both grief and gratitude".
He was joined by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who sent her "personal and deepest condolences".
"I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences - and those of the people of Scotland - to Her Majesty The Queen and her family."
Welsh First Minister praised the Prince's dedication, having "served the crown with selfless devotion and will be sorely missed".
While President of the United States Joe Biden says he and the First Lady are keeping the royal family and the people of Britain in "our hearts" during this dark day.
"Prince Philip's legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped," Biden shared on Twitter.
He was joined by former US President Barrack Obama, who hailed the Duke of Edinburgh's commitment in striving for the "service of something greater".
"Through his extraordinary example, His Royal Highness Prince Philip proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness - all in the service for something greater," he shared on Twitter.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the duke as a man of "great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others".
He praised his influence in "contributing so much to the social fabric of [Canada] - and the world".
Described as an "inspirational patriot", members of the public also flocked to the gates of Windsor Castle today with bouquets of flowers.
Essex resident George, who drove for over an hour to pay tribute, said it felt like the "father of the nation had left [them]".
"One of the last greats I suppose. They don't make them like him anymore ... the courage and sense of his convictions. The sense of loyalty to his people and our monarch was unwavering."
Jacqueline Linderdale said there was an "immense sadness" that surrounded Windsor Castle as the public gathered to pay their respects.
"There's a sort of respectful solemnity where everyone needed to be here and just quietly look at the buildings and be there with their thoughts," she told 1 NEWS.
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