Book of Condolence opened by ABC Council following the death of Prince Philip

The Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Savage also said the flags at the Council’s three main civic buildings will be flown at half mast until the day after the funeral.

Council buildings will also be lit up in deep purple as a mark of respect.

Councillor Savage said: “Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and joins with the rest of the country and indeed with people and nations around the world in extending our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this time.

”To offer the public an opportunity to convey their condolences to the Royal Family on the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, I have opened an online Book of Condolence.

“As an expression of sadness and respect at the passing of His Royal Highness, flags at the Council’s three main civic buildings (in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon) will be flown at half-mast until the day after the funeral. Council buildings will also be illuminated deep purple between now and the day of the funeral.

“Under normal circumstances, the Council would provide a venue for the signing of Books of Condolence and the laying of floral tributes, but unfortunately, that is not possible due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, and encourage the public to pay their respects safely from home using the online Book of Condolence.”

A number of Upper Bann politicians have paid their own tributes including local MP Carla Lockhart who said: “Very sad news after a lifetime of service to our nation, husband to our Queen, father and grandfather. His devotion to our country was exemplary.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with the wider family at this time.”

Local MLA Jonathan Buckley said: “To Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family I tender my sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.”

Upper Bann Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family following the sad passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

SDLP Councillor on the ABC Council Thomas Larkham said :” I join with many others in expressing condolences to the Queen and her family on the passing of Prince Phillip.

“My thoughts and sympathies are also with all those within our community who have a deep and special connection with the Royal Family.

“May he rest in peace.”