THE QUEEN has asked for charity donations to causes close to Philip’s heart instead of flowers after his death.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had been married to the Queen for 73 years, passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle this morning.
* Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
Mourners have descended on Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to pay their respects to Prince Phillip but are being dispersed by police.
Royal household placed a framed plaque announcing the Duke of Edinburgh’s death on the front gates to Buckingham Palace.
Hundreds of members of the public have also started laying flowers at the foot of the gates.
But now the palace has revealed that the Royal Family would prefer charity donations to one of the Duke of Edinburgh’s many patronages.
A royal source said: “Covid-19 has ruined the arrangements and members of the public are encouraged not to gather in crowds and to commemorate privately.”
The Duke played an active role in more than 780 charitable organisations.
In 1956 he set up the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme which has seen six million young people take part.
The schemes see youngsters set themselves outdoor, community or sporting challenges.
The participants aim for bronze, silver or gold awards which can take from between three to 18 months to complete.
Hundreds of other charities which have worked with the Duke have paid tribute to the hard-working royal.
Rose Caldwell, CEO of Plan International UK said: “Over the years, His Royal Highness has been incredibly supportive of the work we do with young people both here in the UK and across the world.
“As a global children’s charity striving to give every child the same chance in life, his support has been hugely appreciated.”
ZSL London Zoo said: “HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh had a lifelong passion for wildlife. He supported ZSL for many years.
The Taxi Charity, for military veterans said:“We are deeply saddened by the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“His attendance at the Worthing visit over 40 years ago was a seminal moment for the Taxi Charity and is still talked about.”
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), where Prince Philip was a patron for nearly five decades, said: “He was a respected and much-loved supporter of the Charities Aid Foundation, as well as hundreds of other charities and organisations.
“His irreplaceable and invaluable contribution to CAF and our nation will be sorely missed.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the chief executive of the British Heart Foundation said: “Prince Philip offered steadfast support to the BHF for nearly 60 years and was a remarkable advocate for the power of research to save and improve lives from heart and circulatory diseases.
“Prince Philip’s role as our patron was one aspect of a life characterised by support for good causes and devotion to public service. His contribution will forever be remembered.”
The royal passed away two months and one day short of what would have been his 100th birthday.
BBC radio stations immediately interrupted broadcasts with the news of his death and played the national anthem shortly after in a sign of respect.
Announcing the news, the official Royal Family website was replaced with a single page and heartfelt tribute to the Duke.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute and said “he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
