Warrington Town Hall flag at half-mast for Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, husband of The Queen for more than 70 years, sadly passed away this morning at Windsor Castle.

As the longest-serving consort in British history, his service included two visits to Warrington.

He first came to the town in 1979, when he toured the new Golden Square development and visited the Town Hall alongside the Queen on November 7.

The royal pair returned together in 2012, when they opened the Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

Leading the tributes from Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Russ Bowden expressed his sadness upon hearing the news.

“Prince Philip served our country with dedication, from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy to his many years of committed and devoted service in support of Her Majesty the Queen,” the council leader said.

“It is right that we recognise and respect that exemplary public duty.

“We will collectively mourn the loss of Prince Philip and I join the people of Warrington in expressing my sadness at his passing today.

“This morning, I asked for the Warrington Town Hall flag to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect to the Duke of Edinburgh.

“I hope that we can all take a moment to think and reflect on his extraordinary public service.”

Prince Philip during his visit to Warrington in 2012 for the opening of Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, also paid her respects to the duke.

She added: “I speak on behalf of Warrington Borough Council and the people of our borough in expressing my sadness at the news of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

“We will join with our communities in Warrington, and indeed around the world, in mourning his loss.

“We thank him for his dedicated national service and support to Her Majesty The Queen over many, many years.

“All civic and council-run meetings and events scheduled are currently being reviewed during this period of mourning.”