Prince Philip news: Prince Harry's tribute to his 'legend of banter' grandfather

• 'I'll get on with the job': Prince William's tribute in full

• 'Legend of banter': Prince Harry's tribute in full

• HRH Prince Philip 1921 - 2021: Obituary

• Camilla Tominey: The Firm mask feelings as Prince Harry returns

• Prince Harry may have to wear suit instead of military uniform to the funeral

• Land Rover hearse rapidly prepared by Army engineers

• Comment: Prince Philip's funeral is the Church's second chance

Princes William and Harry have both paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, with touching statements about the loss of their grandfather.

Prince William pledged to "get on with the job" as Prince Philip would have wanted, while Prince Harry described the Duke as "a man of service, honour and great humour".

In a statement issued through his foundation Archewell, Prince Harry said: "My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm-and also because you never knew what he might say next.

"He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end.

"He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, 'Oh do get on with it!'

"So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered-by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.

"'Per Mare, Per Terram."'

Follow the latest updates below.

05:36 PM

What happened today?

That's it from Telegraph HQ this evening, thanks for joining us.

Here are the main stories from today:

• Prince William vows to 'get on with the job' as Duke of Edinburgh would have wanted

• Prince Harry may have to wear suit instead of military uniform to Prince Philip's funeral

• Queen to throw herself back into royal duties after two weeks in mourning

• No Plan B for Prince Philip's funeral

05:23 PM

Public remember funny encounters with Prince Philip

Our reporter Crystal Jones is down in Windsor speaking to members of the public following the death of Prince Philip. Here's her latest dispatch:

Jenny Langdon, 70, from Maidenhead, was once walking along the Long Walk in Windsor with her son Peter, who was two years old at the time.

He had chickenpox and was in sudden desperate need to use the toilet.

She said: "Without any facilities around, I quickly let him go against a tree.

"Unbelievably, just at that moment, the royal carriage rode past.

"Prince Philip popped his head out and exclaimed; 'well done, sir'."

The funny exchange happened in 1985.

Jenny, who works as a doctor, said she would regularly see Prince Philip riding around in his carriage and that many of her patients had met him and spoke of him with warmth.

One of her patients would often see Philip when she was horse-riding and he would always make funny jokes.

05:14 PM

'The day I met the Duke'

As Britain’s longest-serving royal consort, the Duke of Edinburgh was a master of public events, carrying out an incredible 22,219 solo engagements and countless thousands more at the side of the Queen.

An amazing 22 per cent of the UK population is thought to have either met or seen the Duke in person.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe since the Duke's death on Friday. But over his remarkable 99 years, Prince Philip also touched the lives of countless ordinary people.

Helen Chandler-Wilde, Luke Mintz and Brendan McFadden have collated some of these touching and funny stories from our readers, read the full article here.

‘He wanted to give us the day off – the whole school erupted’

Growing up in Canada as one of the Queen’s two billion Commonwealth subjects, 11-year-old Michael Bonner saw the British Royal family every day on banknotes and on television. Both of his grandfathers had fought on the British side in the Second World War, and his family “strongly resisted” the gravitational pull of American culture, instead preferring a connection with all things British.

That meant there was a sense of magic about October 3 1993, when a 72-year-old Duke of Edinburgh paid a visit to his all-boys independent school in Toronto to open some new buildings.

In a whole-school assembly in the outdoor quad, the Duke was greeted with fanfare from the school band. He started his speech with the “usual fluff” about how great it was to be there, Bonner remembers. Then, he looked across the quad at the school’s top brass (headteachers, deputy heads, governors) and suggested the pupils be given a day off each year, on the anniversary of his visit. The whole school erupted into applause and cheers, leaving the senior staff “looking at each other awkwardly,” Bonner remembers.

05:00 PM

WATCH: MPs continue tributes to Prince Philip

MPs are now on hour three of tributes to Prince Philip. You can watch live below.

04:47 PM

'Prince Philip would not have wanted extended mourning,' Alex Salmond claims

Alex Salmond has claimed the Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed nothing more "than a good argument" and he would have not appreciated a week of national mourning.

The former first minister of Scotland was speaking at an Alba campaign event in the Scottish capital despite opposing parties suspending their operations out of respect for the Duke's passing.

He said: "The Duke of Edinburgh - it won't surprise anyone to know - was not one of the foremost advocates of Scottish independence I've ever met.

"But I found the disagreements enjoyable, he did as well.

"To me, at least, he seemed to enjoy nothing more than a good argument - and a forthright argument.

"One thing I know absolutely, he was a get-on-with-life sort of person - get on with it, no maudlin sentimentality.

"An extended mourning in the country would not have been to his liking, I can be absolutely certain about that.

"He would have wanted folk to get on with their lives, recognise and pay respects for a hugely long-standing public service.

"For the rest of us, his message would be absolutely, 'get on with it'."

04:27 PM

'Per Mare Per Terram': Harry's touching tribute to Prince Philip

The Duke of Sussex signed off a touching tribute to his grandfather with the Latin phrase Per Mare Per Terram - a motto of the Royal Marines.

Harry described the Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 last week, as "a man of service, honour and great humour" in a statement issued on Monday.

The Duke of Sussex, who has arrived in England from the US ahead of Saturday's funeral, and Philip have both held the ceremonial title of Captain General of the Royal Marines.

Meaning "By Sea, By Land", the motto symbolises the Royal Marines' dual role of fighting both on-board ships and ashore, and is believed to have been used for the first time in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War.

The Duke of Edinburgh had the title for 64 years before it was passed on to Harry in 2017, who held the position for three years - although it was on hold for one year after he quit royal duties.

04:05 PM

'Remarkable' Prince put himself second

Harriet Harman, Mother of the House, has paid tribute to Prince Philip and his service to the Queen.

Speaking in the Commons she said: "One of the remarkable things about Prince Philip is that he chose in his marriage to put himself second and make his central role in life to support his wife in her role as the Queen.

"He sought never to eclipse her, only to support her."

She added that was "profoundly counter-cultural" for the time.

"It takes a remarkable man to be a leader but it takes even more to support a woman leader, and that's what Prince Philip did," she said.

03:56 PM

Prince Philip 'remembered fondly' on Malta

The late Duke of Edinburgh is being "remembered fondly" on the island of Malta, as efforts continue to restore a dilapidated mansion he and the Queen once called home.

A young Philip and the then-Princess Elizabeth spent some of the early years of their marriage living at Villa Guardamangia, a palazzo-style residence on the outskirts of the capital Valletta.

Heritage Malta - the country's national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage - is in the preliminary stages of restoring the mid-18th century building to its former glory after acquiring it in June last year.

The royal couple lived on the island for periods between 1949 and 1951 while the duke served on HMS Chequers with the Mediterranean Fleet.

Heritage Malta's chief operating officer, Kenneth Gambin, said there was "a feeling of sadness" on the island after Philip's death.

"He was remembered fondly, because everyone knew that Malta had a special place in his heart," he told the PA news agency.

"People remain somewhat attached to him because they know that he remembered Malta fondly. He took every opportunity to come here again when he could."

03:39 PM

No Plan B for Prince Philip's funeral

In life, the Duke of Edinburgh did his duty come rain or shine. In death, there will be no lowering of expectations.

Funeral plans for the Iron Duke will go ahead in full whatever the weather, it is understood, with no Plan B for rain or snow.

Unlike plans for royal weddings – which in recent years have taken into account the possibility of downpours – the Royal family and military will honour the Duke just as he wished regardless of the forecast.

Read the full story by Hannah Furness here.

03:26 PM

Five stories to read this afternoon

1. Prince Philip’s family tree: a look back at his Greek heritage
2. Fitness fanatic: Prince Philip was the standard-bearer for the fittest, leanest generation
3. How Prince Philip wooed Elizabeth: The royal couple spent more than 70 years of married life together
4. Wartime evacuation to the Royal Navy:
5. 'Get on with the job': Queen to throw herself back into royal duties after two weeks in mourning

03:08 PM

Sir Keir Starmer: 'Duke of Edinburgh Award prepared me for politics'

Addressing the Commons Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said "Britain will not be the same" in Prince Philip's absence.

He said: "For most of us, there's never been a time when the Duke of Edinburgh was not present. At every stage of our national story for the last seven decades, he has been there.

"A symbol of the nation we hope to be at our best. A source of stability. A rock.

"Her Majesty once said that 'grief is the price we pay for love'. The duke loved this country. And Britain loved him in return.

"That's why we grieve today."

Sir Keir, who participated in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, said: "My final activity was wandering around Dartmoor in a small team, with a compass and a map in the pouring rain, frantically trying to find our way - if that doesn't prepare you for coming into politics, nothing will."

02:53 PM

Prince Philip was 'trying to break the ice' with his jokes, Boris Johnson says

An update on our post from 15:14:

The Prime Minister, no stranger to controversial comments himself, acknowledged Prince Philip "occasionally drove a coach and horses through the finer points of diplomatic protocol, and he coined a new word, dontopedalogy, for the experience of putting your foot in your mouth".

Amongst his "more parliamentary expressions" he "commented adversely on the French concept of breakfast," Mr Johnson said.

"He told a British student in Papua New Guinea that he was lucky not to be eaten, and the people of the Cayman Islands that they were descended from pirates, and that he would like to go to Russia except that, as he put it, 'the bastards murdered half my family'."

But "the world did not hold it against him" and understood that he was "trying to break the ice, to get things moving, to get people laughing, and to forget their nerves".

02:39 PM

'Attempts at humour could become gaffes', Stormont Assembly remembers the Prince

The Duke of Edinburgh's sense of humour brought smiles across the Stormont Assembly chamber as members shared anecdotes of their encounters with him.

MLAs gathered for a special sitting to remember the Duke who died on Friday at the age of 99.

As well as tributes and condolences, there were lighter moments with tales of fools not being suffered, the questioning of life experience and even tie knot queries.

DUP MLA Edwin Poots told MLAs he empathised with how "attempts at humour could become gaffes".

02:27 PM

'I feel so sad for the Queen', mourners in Windsor say

Much like the mixture of dark and sunny skies in Windsor today, people could be seen expressing the various emotions of the day, Crystal Jones reports.

Amongst the joy of shops, bars, restaurants and salons reopening, there was an undeniable shadow of deep sadness as people from across the nation came to Windsor, Berkshire to pay their respects to the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Amongst an array of shopping bags, a multitude of drawings from children, written notes and scores of bouquets of tulips, roses, daisies, and sweetpeas were laid down by Brits wishing to their respects to the "grandfather of the nation."

Partners Claire Powell, 32 and Joe Elliott, 33, from South Bermondsey were planning a day of shopping.

They decided to make the trip down to Windsor to pay their respects.

As they placed a bunch of white chrysantheums at the gate, Joe said: "It feels so strange, this is a moment in time", with Claire adding: "We didn't know lots about him before but reading so much about him in his death, coming here today and laying down flowers just felt respectful and the right thing to do. He was quite a man."

Widow Mary McLaughlan, 71, made the journey down from Slough. She said: "I feel very sad for the Queen.

"Prince Philip was a very good man. I wanted to come here today to pay my respects because my heart goes out to the Queen."

02:14 PM

Boris Johnson leads tributes in Parliament

Prince Philip "made this country a better place", Boris Johnson said as he led tributes in Parliament following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Prime Minister said the Duke, through his achievements including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, had touched the lives of millions of people.

He said that "in due course" the House of Commons and the country would consider a "suitable memorial".

Mr Johnson told MPs, recalled from their Easter recess a day early to pay tribute to the duke: "He gave us, and he gives us all, a model of selflessness and of putting others before ourselves."

The Prime Minister, whose usually unruly hair had been trimmed ahead of the Commons session, said although the duke might have been "embarrassed or even faintly exasperated" to receive the tributes, he "made this country a better place and for that he will be remembered with gratitude and with fondness for generations to come".

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the Duke "never let the Queen down".

He was "without doubt the father of the nation, and will sorely be missed and impossible to replace", the Speaker said.

01:55 PM

Prince William vows to 'get on with the job'

The Duke of Cambridge has issued a statement describing Prince Philip as 'an extraordinary man' and pledging to support Queen in years ahead.

In a statement praising Prince Philip's "century of life defined by service", the 38-year-old said: "My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation.

"Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support the Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job."

Read the full report and statement, by Camilla Tominey, here.

01:46 PM

Prince Harry staying in Frogmore Cottage

Prince Harry is currently staying in Frogmore Cottage, the home he shared with his wife Meghan before the left the UK, it has been reported.

Omid Scobie shared Harry's statement on Twitter adding that he is staying in the cottage ahead of the funeral.

01:41 PM

Prince Harry's tribute to his 'legend of banter' grandfather

In a statement issued through his foundation Archewell, Prince Harry said: "My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm-and also because you never knew what he might say next.

"He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end.

"He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, 'Oh do get on with it!'

"So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered-by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.

"'Per Mare, Per Terram."'

01:38 PM

Prince Harry: My grandfather was 'a man of service, honour and great humour'

The Duke of Sussex said his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh was "a man of service, honour and great humour, adding that "he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end".

01:30 PM

WATCH: MPs pay tribute to Prince Philip in Commons

MPs will return to the House of Commons a day early from their Easter break to voice their condolences.

You can watch their tributes live in the video below.

01:12 PM

'Special memories': Prince George with his grandfather Prince Philip

Kensington Palace shared a touching new photograph of a young Prince George with his great-grandfather Philip alongside the message from William.

George, a future king, is pictured sat beside the duke on the box seat of a carriage, as Philip held the reins and a whip.

George, dressed in shorts and a knitted jumper, is holding open a picture book.

The image was taken in Norfolk in 2015.

01:11 PM

Prince William: 'I feel lucky... to have had his example to guide me'

In a statement, Prince William said: "My grandfather's century of life was defined by service - to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.

"I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life - both through good times and the hardest days. I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her.

"I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!

"My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job."

01:05 PM

Prince William: 'I will miss my Grandpa'

The Duke of Cambridge has described Prince Philip as “an extraordinary man".

In his first official statement since the Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday, aged 99, Prince William said: “I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job”.

12:44 PM

Too early to consider proposals for lasting memorial, No 10 says

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said "we will want to look carefully at all the proposals that have been set out" for a lasting memorial to Prince Philip's life but "it's not right, while we are in this period of mourning" while the focus was on funeral preparations to consider a memorial.

"There will be a time to rightly consider longer-term tributes," the spokesman said.

Ideas which have been suggested include renaming the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, where the Duke of Edinburgh first met the Queen.

12:31 PM

Boris Johnson will watch Prince Philip's funeral on TV

Boris Johnson will watch the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on television, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "He intends to watch the funeral on television, as I'm sure large parts of the public will do."

Number 10 had already said Mr Johnson would not attend St George's Chapel in person, in order to allow as many family members as possible to be there within the 30-person coronavirus limit.

12:25 PM

Armed officers to patrol Windsor

Armed officers will be on patrol as police step up their presence in Windsor after the death of Prince Philip.

Thames Valley Police said it was carrying out "high visibility patrols" and the public would notice an "increased police presence, including armed officers, in Windsor during this national time of mourning".

In a statement, the force said: "Windsor Castle is a primary Royal residency and we are expecting the town to be busier than normal, as people come to pay their respects.

"Additional officers will be patrolling the town centre along with the surrounding area to help provide reassurance and keep local residents, businesses and visitors safe at this sad time."

Inspector Matt Lugg, who is co-ordinating the patrols, said they were part of measures to "ensure public health and safety" as officers expect an increase in the numbers of people in Windsor in the coming days, adding: "We would remind people to remain vigilant, and if they have any concerns or questions to approach us."

Last week the force said it would deploy covert security tactics on Saturday when the Duke of Edinburgh is to be honoured with a ceremonial royal funeral at St George's Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Police asked the public not to gather by Royal residences, avoid meeting in large groups, minimise travel and to make a donation to charity instead of laying floral tributes.

Reiterating the requests made by the Royal household and the Government, the force also pointed mourners towards an online book of condolence to pay their respects.

12:06 PM

Army engineers began preparing Prince Philip’s Land Rover hearse after hospital stay

Army engineers worked around the clock to make sure the Duke of Edinburgh’s specially-designed Land Rover hearse was ready in time for his funeral, Robert Mendick reports.

A team from the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) was deployed to prepare the hearse after the Duke was admitted to hospital in February. His month-long stay at the age of 99 was the longest period Prince Philip had spent in a hospital.

Details about the hearse are a closely-guarded secret but sources have suggested the converted Land Rover has an open-top design. It is also understood to be from the Land Rover Defender series.

Read the full story here.

11:48 AM

Prince Philip's funeral plans

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral plans have been completely revised due to coronavirus restrictions, with no public procession or access.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the funeral - which will take place on Saturday, April 17 - is to adhere to current guidelines around life events that allow just 30 mourners to be present.

Members of the public have been asked not to attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.

Read the full story by Hannah Furness, Victoria Ward and Dominic Penna, here.

11:23 AM

National Rail reverts website colours after backlash

Update on our post from 11:23:

The www.nationalrail.co.uk website reverted to its usual colours around midday on Monday.

Elisabeth Ward, accessibility specialist at disability equality charity Scope, said: "While it's important to pay respects when tragic events happen, it's vital this doesn't stop disabled people from accessing essential services.

"Accessibility always matters, even in a period of national mourning.

"This decision to change entire websites to greyscale did not consider disabled people's access needs. It's another example of disabled people being forgotten.

"Not only does it cause problems for those who need sufficient colour contrast, but it also interferes with tools and plugins many disabled people use to help make websites accessible."

She added that public sector organisations "have a legal duty to make sure nobody is being blocked from using vital services and information".

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said: "Whoever has made this decision has little or no consideration for the accessibility of disabled passengers and workers.

"It is vital that the rail industry reverts back to their original website configurations immediately.

"It is possible to mourn for Prince Philip without making life even more difficult for disabled people and workers to use our railways."

10:54 AM

Mark Drakeford leads tributes in Senedd

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has led tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh in the Senedd.

Mr Drakeford told the specially recalled plenary, which was attended by MSs remotely, that the Duke had also held the title of Earl of Merioneth and directly championed causes in Wales across culture, sport and the environment.

"The last 12 months have seen many families faced with the grief of losing someone they have loved," he said.

"However it happens, each loss is uniquely felt by those for whom that person will leave a gap in their lives which no one else can fill.

"Our thoughts today are with those members of the wider royal family who have to face that loss in the particularly distressing circumstances caused by the public health emergency."

Mr Drakeford added: "On behalf of the Welsh Government, and those supporting the Government in this Parliament... I extend our sincerest sympathies at the end of an exceptional life lived."

10:51 AM

The Duke was a 'serious book worm', Sturgeon says

Nicola Sturgeon said she enjoyed speaking to the Duke of Edinburgh about the books they were reading when she would stay at Balmoral.

Speaking in Holyrood on Monday, the First Minister said: "I always enjoyed my conversations with the Duke of Edinburgh on these visits, and indeed on all of the occasions that I met him."

She added: "He was a thoughtful man, deeply interesting and fiercely intelligent.

"He was also a serious book worm, which I am too, so talking about the books we were reading was often for me a real highlight of our conversations."

10:49 AM

The Queen and the Duke were a 'true partnership', says Nicola Sturgeon

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were a "true partnership", Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Speaking in Holyrood in tribute to the Duke, the First Minister said: "He faced the additional challenge of being the husband of a powerful woman at a time when that was even more of an exception than it is today.

"That reversal of the more traditional dynamic was highly unusual in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and even now isn't as common as it might be.

"Yet, the Duke of Edinburgh was devoted to supporting the Queen - they were a true partnership."

The First Minister also said the role of consort to the Queen "cannot be an easy one, particularly for someone who is spirited and energetic by temperament".

10:47 AM

MSPs pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in Holyrood

Following a one-minute silence in remembrance of the Duke, who died aged 99 on Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The tribute paid to the Duke of Edinburgh over these last few days show the affection in which he was held here in Scotland, across the United Kingdom and indeed around the world.

"On behalf of the people of Scotland I express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen, who is grieving the loss of her strength and stay, her husband and also to the duke's children and to the wider Royal Family."

Before he became the Queen's consort, the First Minister said, the Duke had already "endured difficulties and faced dangers that generations since can barely comprehend" during his war service.

10:38 AM

Royal Navy pays tribute to Duke an 'enduring friend and supporter'

The Duke of Edinburgh's "humour and generosity of spirit generated great affection" among the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin has said.

Offering his condolences to the Queen and the royal family he said on Friday: "Serving as Lord High Admiral of the Fleet and Captain General Royal Marines he involved himself in every aspect of the Royal Navy, through official visits, patronage and association with naval charities and clubs."

The royal family confirmed officers at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth will today pay tribute to the Duke, a former cadet at the college.

10:23 AM

National Rail to 'make changes' after greyscale site complaints

Update on our post from 09:45:

Converting online train journey planners to greyscale as a mark of respect following the Duke of Edinburgh's death has led to complaints from passengers and rail staff that they are now difficult to read.

The decision by National Rail - officially known as National Rail Enquiries (NRE) - and individual train companies to remove colours from their websites goes beyond Government guidance for the period of national mourning, which only suggests organisations use "black edging or black banners".

NRE's Twitter account received a barrage of angry messages following the change.

Users described the decision as "utterly ridiculous", and claimed it has made train timetables "extremely difficult to read".

Others claimed the switch is in breach of disability discrimination laws.

In response to a passenger asking if there was a way for users to change the website back to normal, an NRE employee wrote: "Unfortunately, I do not believe there is currently", adding: "I too have been struggling to read while it is coloured differently."

10:13 AM

Sinn Fein vice president recognises 'significant impact' of the royal family

The Sinn Fein deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the "significant impact" of the royal family in terms of reconciliation.

Michelle O'Neill said the Queen and the royal family have made "significant interventions", including her visit to Dublin.

The Sinn Fein vice president also said the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's meeting with Mr McGuinness in Belfast "marked a very important step on our journey", acknowledging they had been directly impacted in the Troubles.

The IRA killed Philip's uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1979.

"We need to reconcile our people but also reconcile our islands because there has been a challenging relationship over many, many years," she told the BBC.

"The Queen and Prince Philip and their family were directly impacted by the conflict, like too many families here, and I think that, like every family, it is regrettable that any family has endured any kind of sorrow or pain as a result of bereavement due to the conflict.

"I do think that you have to take from the example which they themselves set, even though they did endure personal loss, the royal family has set about working towards the advancement of peace and reconciliation, and they demonstrated that with their words and deeds over recent years."

Ms O'Neill added: "I'm elected to be the deputy First Minister for all, joint head of government for all people, so therefore I recognise the sense of loss that will be felt by many people across our community, particularly those of unionist tradition or those who have a British identity.

"I think this is something that's a very difficult time and a challenging time for those people, so I think it's really, really important that I stand and don't sit back but come right out to the front to say that I acknowledge that loss, that hurt and that people will be feeling this loss.

"I just think it's really, really important terms of respect for each other, for two different communities between our islands that I would speak in the way in which I have."

09:55 AM

What our readers say: 'I was a guinea pig for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award'

Writing in today's Daily Telegraph, our readers recount fond memories of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh and what he meant to the nation.

David Burrows, Barton on Sea, Hampshire, writes:

Read more: Letters: The Duke used his role for pioneering engagement with faith groups

09:35 AM

He was ‘universally trusted, liked and respected'

Gordonstoun, the Duke of Edinburgh's former school, has paid tribute to his service and positions of responsibility during his time at the boarding school in the 1930s.

Quoting his former Headteacher, Dr Kurt Hahn, the school tweeted that the Duke was "universally trusted, liked and respected".

The Duke went on to found the Duke of Edinburgh charity in 1956, inspired and encouraged by Dr Hahn.

Read more: How headteacher inspired Prince Philip's greatest legacy

09:16 AM

In pictures: The nation mourns the loss of 'the grandfather of the nation'

09:00 AM

Analysis: Royal family will wear the mask of unity at Duke’s funeral

Duke of Sussex’s return to fold for final farewell to Prince Philip offers chance for reconciliation after bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, Camilla Tominey writes.

Read Camilla's full analysis here.

08:45 AM

National Rail turn website black and white

National Rail has turned their website black and white in an apparent tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Social media users pointed out the colour contrast can be "really bad for accessibility". Experts say for some people with dyslexia such an extreme contrast of colours can make content less accessible.

A panel on the site paying tribute to the Duke also initially spelled his name incorrectly.

This has since been corrected, but the black and white colour theme seems to be a permanent feature.

"The National Rail web team should have pushed back against this ridiculous idea," Katie Hall wrote on Twitter. "On the other hand, it'll prove an amazing example of the importance of contrast and colour for #accessibility for evermore..."

08:29 AM

Tribe who worshipped Prince Philip say it's 'too soon' to for spiritual succession

The chief of a remote Pacific village which worshipped Prince Philip with religious fervour said today it was too early to know whether the British royal's descendants will receive similar deification.

Yakel village on the Vanuatu island of Tanna for decades venerated the Duke.

Village chief Albi said it was unclear how the religious movement would change following his death, as his spirit was believed to be adrift and seeking a new home.

While many outsiders assumed Philip's eldest son Charles or grandsons William and Harry would succeed him in having a special place in the villagers' hearts, Albi said nothing was certain.

"The spirit of Prince Philip has left his body, but it lives on - it is too soon to say where it will reside," he told AFP.

Beneath a British flag flying at half mast, Albi joined elders Monday at Yaohnanen, another village that worships Philip, for discussions on how to mark the momentous death.

Chiefs spoke in turn during painstaking discussions on what the death means for their customary belief system, with a resolution likely to be days away.

Albi had words of comfort for Queen Elizabeth II, wishing her joy because even though Philip's body was lost, his spirit lived on.

The Yakel chiefs said they were sending a confidential message to the royal family following Philip's passing.

Read more: South Pacific tribe that worshipped Prince Philip as living god prepares to hold day of mourning

07:23 AM

There are many ways to pay tribute

Flowers, poems and pictures feature heavily in the tributes left outside the Royal palaces to Prince Philip, but one talented person has gone further. There is a lot of loving work that has gone into this.

06:48 AM

Duke would 'dissect sermons over lunch'

The Duke of Edinburgh would "dissect sermons over lunch", the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has said.

Discussing the Duke’s “questioning faith” the Archbishop told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “Sometimes that is said, critically, I don't see it that way at all.

“I think without a questioning faith you end up with no faith at all. And yes, I'm one of those bishops who has preached at Sandringham and has had their sermon dissected over lunch. But rather than think of that as a disconcerting experience it is always an energising experience.”

He continued: “I've had it done by the Duke of Edinburgh but I can tell you it's much more frightening to have it done by a group of sixth formers and I've had that as well.”

He added that people should learn from the Duke’s questioning of his faith.

“I think most people who have lived the Christian life, through a lifetime, know that there are periods of questioning with doubt and darkness but it is through facing those questions, that one's faith is deepened and enriched. And I think that was something that the Duke of Edinburgh knew about and it is something that we can learn from.

“So I would encourage everybody who's listening to question their faith, because, well, you never get a cure without a good diagnosis, so you need to ask the questions,” he said.

06:38 AM

Duke had a 'wicked sense of humour'

The Duke of Edinburgh had a "wicked sense of humour" and was "straight to the point," according to his friend the pioneering yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Sir Robin, who was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, said the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme had done "a huge amount of good" around the world.

"I think what people didn't realise is that he had a wicked sense of humour," Sir Robin said.

"He was straight to the point (and) he was a very competitive sailor."

"The number of people who benefited from the Duke of Ed Award scheme, not just here but all over the world, has been quite fantastic.

"It's done a huge amount of good."

Sir Robin recounted the time the Duke had been racing at Cowes week.

"We’ve got certain rules to stop boats bumping into each other and an Australian aggressively yelled for water. Well, the Australians are always aggressive that's why we love them, and Prince Philip decided that they had no right to it so he ignored him.

"So the Australian yelled again saying 'water', and Prince Philip ignored him. And then the Australian yelled ‘ey, it’s my blankety water'. Prince Philip turned round with that lovely quick wit he had and said: 'I think you'll find it belongs to my wife.'"

04:56 AM

Without the Prince, who will be the Queen’s ‘strengths and stays’?

Amid her deep sadness at her beloved husband’s death, the Queen will not be grieving alone.

At home, in Windsor Castle, she is surrounded by a close circle of friends and confidantes, from whom she will take comfort as she comes to terms with effectively being by herself for the first time in 73 years.

From family members to loyal ladies-in-waiting and members of her staff who play a crucial behind-the-scenes supporting role, the Queen has a trusted network who will now be rallying round to guide her as she mourns the man who has “left a huge void in her life” – as the Duke of York revealed his mother had said, speaking outside the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor, yesterday. (Watch video below)

Read the full story here.

02:09 AM

Former PM hopes Harry can resolve family issues while in UK

Sir John Major said yesterday that the “friction” between the Royal family and the Duke of Sussex was “better ended as speedily as possible”.

The former prime minister spoke about the rift after Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry would fly back from the US to attend the Duke’s funeral.

Sir John, who was appointed special guardian to Princes William and Harry after the death of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, said: “The friction that we are told has arisen is a friction better ended as speedily as possible, and a shared emotion, a shared grief, at the present time because of the death of their father, their grandfather, I think is an ideal opportunity.

“I hope very much that it is possible to mend any rifts that may exist.”

READ MORE: Sir John Major calls on Royal family to ‘end friction as speedily as possible’

02:04 AM

Today's top stories

• The Queen has said that the death of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, has “left a huge void in her life”.
• Army engineers worked around the clock to make sure the Duke of Edinburgh’s specially designed Land Rover hearse was ready in time for his funeral.
• Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has described the Duke of Edinburgh's final moments as "peaceful".
• Subtle briefings were designed to give Prince Harry the softest possible landing on his arrival back in the UK ahead of his beloved grandfather’s funeral on Saturday.
• Sir John Major said yesterday that the “friction” between the Royal family and the Duke of Sussex was “better ended as speedily as possible”.
• Almost a quarter of a century after the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, has there been a change of heart within the monarchy about the role of children at Royal funerals?

• Signs around Windsor called for restraint among the public grieving for Prince Philip, asking people to “not gather at royal residences”. But by lunchtime yesterday, so many people had come to lay flowers that the street leading to Windsor Castle had to be blocked off for safety.