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The Latest: Gun salutes to mark Prince Philip's death

Last Updated Apr 10, 2021 at 2:14 am MDT

A tribute to Britain's Prince Philip is projected onto a large screen at Piccadilly Circus in London, Friday, April 9, 2021. Buckingham Palace officials say Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died. He was 99. Philip spent a month in hospital earlier this year before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Events and reaction from around the world to mark the death of Prince Philip at age 99:

LONDON — Gun salutes marking the death of the Duke of Edinburgh will take place across the U.K., in Gibraltar and at sea.

The U.K. defence ministry said that batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as Gibraltar and from Royal Navy warships.

Gun salutes also marked the deaths of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.

Authorities are encouraging to watch the gun salutes online or on television from home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Prince Philip died Friday at age 99.

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PRINCE PHILIP DIES AT 99

Prince Philip, the irascible and tough-minded husband of Queen Elizabeth II who spent more than seven decades supporting his wife in a role that mostly defined his life, has died, Buckingham Palace said Friday.

More coverage:

— Coronavirus means more low-key farewell for Prince Philip

— Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies at 99

— UK mourns Prince Philip; leaders honour his public service

— 2-minute silence across sports to mark Prince Philip’s death

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu — A tribe in the remote island nation of Vanuatu who saw Prince Philip as a god will greet his death with ritual wailing and ceremonial dancing, an expert said.

The group, based in villages on the island of Tanna in the former Anglo-French colony, revered the Duke of Edinburgh and believed him to be a reincarnation of an ancient warrior who left the island to fight a war.

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DHARAMSHALA, India — The Dalai Lama has expressed his condolences over the death of Prince Philip in letter to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.

In his letter to the queen he said: “I am sorry to learn the sad news that your husband, H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away. I will pray for him and offer my condolences to Your Royal Highness and your family at this sad time.

“As we all remember him, we can rejoice that he lived a meaningful life.”

He wrote to Prince Charles: “As someone who counts you as a dear, respected friend, I would also like to offer my condolences to Your Royal Highness and your family.”

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda expressed her country’s sorrow at the death of Prince Philip.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen at this profoundly sad time,” she said.

Ardern said Philip will be fondly remembered for the encouragement he gave to 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 program,” she said.

Ardern directed that all flags on government buildings and naval vessels be flown at half-staff. She said a national memorial service will be held in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

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JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed deep condolences at the death of Prince Philip.

Widodo tweeted: “My deepest condolences on the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family and the British people in this time of sorrow.”

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SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered his country’s “deepest sympathies and condolences” to Queen Elizabeth II on the passing of Prince Philip.

“While your strength and stay, your Majesty, may now have passed, Jenny and I pray that you will find great comfort in your faith, in your family, at this time,” he said. “But we also, your Majesty, say to you as a Commonwealth, let us also now be your strength and stay as you continue to endure, as you continue to serve so loyally and so faithfully, as you have done over so many generations.”

He added: “She has been there for us over such a long time, let us be there now for you, your Majesty, and allow us to send our love to you on this, I’m sure, one of your most sad of days.”

In Canberra, the national flag was lowered to half-mast over Parliament House.

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MANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his deep condolences to Queen Elizabeth II for the death of Prince Philip in a public message where his government cited its strong ties with the United Kingdom.

“We pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for The Royal Family to find strength in this time of mourning,” Duterte said in message issued by his spokesman, Harry Roque.

“The Philippines and the United Kingdom have strong bilateral ties and we share the grief of the British people in this period of bereavement,” Duterte’s message said.

Duterte has repeatedly lashed at European countries in the past for raising alarm over his deadly crackdown against illegal drugs which has left thousands of mostly petty suspects dead. The UK was one of 18 countries that approved a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution in 2019 which called for an inquiry into human rights conditions in the Philippines amid Duterte’s bloody crackdown, sparking condemnations from his administration.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the world has lost a “towering figure” with the passing of Prince Philip.

In a tribute post on his Facebook, Muhyiddin said the prince had visited Malaysia several times and was always a “friend of our country.”

The Duke of Edinburgh International award introduced in 2000 that had recognized thousands of Malaysian youths for their achievements in community, sports and adventure activities was among the prince’s many contributions, Muhyiddin said.

“The Duke of Edinburgh will be sadly missed; his passing marks the end of a life spent in selfless service to the greater good,” the premier said.

The Associated Press