the long and eventful life of prince philip, the duke of edinburgh, has drawn to a close at the age of 99. he was by some distance the longest—serving royal consort in british history, a role that he'd made very much his own. no precedent. if i asked somebody, what do you expect me to do, they all looked blank, no idea. nobody had much idea. from the day of his marriage to the future queen and throughout her long reign, he was at her side, in good times and bad. he has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years, and i and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know. we'll take a look at the duke's

influence as a father, grandfather and great—grandfather over several decades. if you were having problems you could always go to him and know that he would listen and try to help. we'll mark the success of the duke of edinburgh's award scheme for young people, just one of the achievements being praised by political leaders today. like the expert carriage driver that he was, 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. and we'll reflect on his 70 years of public service and the hundreds of charities and causes he embraced. good evening. prince philip, the duke of edinburgh, the longest—serving royal consort in britsh history, a man of strong views

and a strong sense of duty, has died at the age of 99. since the announcement by buckingham palace at midday, there's been a stream of tributes recognising his decades of public service and his constant support for the queen during her long reign. the statement from the palace was brief... "it is with deep sorrow that her majesty the queen announces "the death of her beloved husband, his royal highness the prince "philip, duke of edinburgh. "his royal highness passed away peacefully this "morning at windsor castle. "further announcements will be made in due course. "the royal familyjoin with people around the world "in mourning his loss." prince philip, at the queen's side for over 70 years, has played a prominent role in public life here in the united kingdom and in the commonwealth. tributes have come from around the world, led in britain by the prime minister, borisjohnson. we'll have the story of the duke's remarkable life and the causes he backed.

all the interesting features about his thinking and modernising instincts, to come. before that, a word with our royal correspondent, nicholas witchell. we will come to those themes, but it's surely the right time to pause for a moment and think about her majesty the queen, who has lost a husband of 73 years.— majesty the queen, who has lost a husband of 73 years. yes, an immense loss for her- — husband of 73 years. yes, an immense loss for her. they _ husband of 73 years. yes, an immense loss for her. they were _ husband of 73 years. yes, an immense loss for her. they were absolutely - loss for her. they were absolutely devoted to each other across seven decades and more of their marriage, different in temperament, but united in their commitment to duty and service, and he came so very close to that 100th birthday milestone that he wanted to achieve, eight weeks and six days away, we saw how very frail he was when he left hospital on the 16th of march to return to windsor. his death therefore cannot be considered a surprise but it is a moment of great

sadness for the family and, in particular, the queen. hers is a lonely role as it is, as head of state. the one person who has been there in her support always has been a husband, the duke of edinburgh. her path will be a more solitary one now, though she will have her faith and herfamily to now, though she will have her faith and her family to support her. now, though she will have her faith and herfamily to support her. i understand the prince of wales drove across from highgrove to windsor to see his mother this afternoon. and she will have so many memories of 73 years as husband and wife, nearly 70 years as husband and wife, nearly 70 years as husband and wife, nearly 70 years as monarch and consort. people who know them say that he has been the unsung hero of this rain. he has made an incalculable and in some ways unrecognised contribution to its success and its stability. as one person who has known them for many years put it, she could not have done it without him. we will recall what she has said about him at the time of the diamond jubilee.

she described him as my constant strength and guide. let's consider those words carefully. she is very particular about the language she uses, my constant strength and guide. that's what he was to her, year after year, guide. that's what he was to her, yearafteryear, decade guide. that's what he was to her, year after year, decade after decade. . ~ year after year, decade after decade. ., ~ , ., year after year, decade after decade. ., ~ i. ., year after year, decade after decade. . ~' i” ., .,, decade. thank you for top we will 'oin ou decade. thank you for top we will join you later _ decade. thank you for top we will join you later in — decade. thank you for top we will join you later in the _ decade. thank you for top we will join you later in the programme. | join you later in the programme. nicholas witchell, our royal correspondent. you're watching an extended edition of bbc news at ten. we'll be marking this significant milestone in british public life by reporting on today's tributes and reaction, by looking at the areas in which the duke was most influential and the legacy he leaves, but we'll start with this account of the duke's eventful life, with nicholas witchell. afterthem, her husband, philip, duke of edinburgh, who, with his hands between the hands of the queen, becomes her liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship... at the queen's coronation,

he was the first person after the bishops to pay homage to her. philip knelt before his wife and pledged his loyalty. commentary: and so, rising, | touches the crown upon her head and kisses her upon the left cheek. as a male consort to a female sovereign, philip had no constitutional significance, yet no one was closer to the monarchy or of greater importance to the monarch than he was. by instinct, he was a leader... yet philip had always to take second place. by nature, he spoke his mind, and that sometimes got him into trouble. yet for decade after decade, his was the support that mattered most to the throne. philip was born in corfu in 1921, his family was part of european royalty. he was a prince of greece, but his ancestors were largely danish, german and russian.

philip had a rootless childhood, his family was banished from greece, his parents separated, and he was sent to gordonstoun school in northern scotland. the spartan atmosphere there suited him. as world war ii loomed, philip was an 18—year—old royal navy cadet at dartmouth. when the king and queen visited the college, they brought with them their 13—year—old daughter, princess elizabeth. according to witnesses, philip showed off a great deal, but the meeting had made a deep impression on the princess. philip served in the royal navy with distinction during the war. when the fighting ended, he started to escort elizabeth to family gatherings. he changed his name to philip mountbatten and became a british citizen. the public realised there was a romance. yet within buckingham palace, philip was regarded with suspicion. 0ne courtier wrote privately that he was "rough, uneducated and would probably not be faithful". but elizabeth was deeply in love,

and in the summer of 19117 the palace announced their engagement. tv: it is with the greatest pleasure that the king and queen announce| the betrothal of their dearly beloved daughter, princess| elizabeth, to lieutenant philip mountbatten rn. | on november 20, 1947, the newly created philip, duke of edinburgh stood within westminister abbey and exchanged marriage vows with the heir to the british throne. i, philip, take thee elizabeth alexandra mary, to my wedded wife. tv: again and again, the people | called for elizabeth and philip. | again and again, they joyfully responded. i in 1952, the couple set off on a tour of the commonwealth. the king came with them to the airport. it was the last time they would see king george vi, who, unknown to his daughter, was in the final stages of lung cancer. tv: it was a farewell.

it was also, as events turned out, goodbye. | it was at a hunting lodge in kenya that philip told his wife of her father's death. someone there reported that philip look like half the world had dropped on him. they returned to london to lead the national mourning. here is the queen. his wife was now queen, philip was there in support, but he was never given the title prince consort and his role was undefined. he channelled some of his restless energy into a boisterous social life. he and a group of male friends met every week in rooms above a restaurant in london's soho. there were long, convivial lunches, visits to nightclubs, and glamorous companions. by the 1960s, philip's life was more settled. he and the queen had completed theirfamily with two more children, andrew and edward, whojoined charles and anne, and he had found a new role for himself.

is it the 18th we're due back now? from his office in the palace, he promoted issues in which he had a personal interest. a0 minutes to get around the world. well, it's going to be a bit of a rush, it may leave you a little bit muddled... yet diplomacy seemed alien to him. he urged british industry to pull its finger out and complained on american television that the royal family did not have enough money. inevitably, if nothing happens, we shall either have to move... we may have to move into smaller premises. he blundered on a state visit to china with the queen. he made what he thought was a private remark about "slitty eyes." it was a diplomatic gaffe that dominated the headlines and added to his reputation for making misjudged remarks. yet philip had a sharp, enquiring mind and was determined to make a contribution of his own. the ground—breaking 1960s film royal family was largely made at his instigation because he felt it was time for the family to show a more human face to the world. the salmon is ready. good.

for many years he toured the globe as president of the then world wildlife fund, speaking out about the need to conserve nature. we depend on being part of the web of life, we depend on every other living thing on this planet, just as much as they depend on us. he promoted technology, helped underprivileged children and had a lifelong interest in spiritual issues. but his most lasting creation was the scheme named after him — the duke of edinburgh's award, which encouraged young people to realise their potential. give young people a chance to discover their own abilities for themselves as an introduction to the responsibilities and interests of the grown—up world. incidentally, to make new friends, and have a great deal of fun and satisfaction in the process. no decade was more difficult for the royal family than the 1990s. the death of diana, princess of wales, was both a family tragedy and a moment of tension

for the monarchy. it was the queen to whom the country looked for public comfort, it was philip to whom the queen turned for private support. tv: still, prince william - with his head hung, walking next to his grandfather. it was philip whose gentle encouragement had persuaded william and harry to walk behind their mother's coffin to her funeral. contrary to his sometimes insensitive image, it had been philip who had taken the lead in trying to understand the domestic problems of his children, prompted perhaps by his own memories of what it's like to marry into the royal family. philip remained physically active at an age when most men would have relished retirement. he went carriage driving and was still carrying out more engagements than many younger members in the family. some he did alone, such as this visit to british troops in iraq. how did you get into this?! but most he did with his wife. he was the figure a few paces behind the queen,

always looking out for her, and often guiding children through the barriers to present their flowers to her. by the time of his 90th birthday injune 2011, celebrated with little fanfare due to his own insistence, he'd accepted that it was time to slow down a little. i reckon i've done my bit. i want to enjoy myself now. with less responsibility, less frantic rushing about, less preparation, less trying to think of something to say. on top of that, the memory�*s going, i can't remember names. i'm just sort of winding down. there was little immediate evidence of any winding down. despite a serious health scare at christmas 2011, when he had to be taken to hospital with a blocked coronary artery, he remained at the queen's side for most

of her diamond jubilee programme, which took them the length and breadth of the country. it wasn't until 2017 that the duke, then aged 96, carried out his final solo engagement. it was a parade for the royal marines on the forecourt of buckingham palace. it was pouring with rain, but, as ever, duty took priority. he took his time meeting those on parade and taking the salute as the marines marched past to bid him farewell. his life after that was much quieter, spent mostly at the queen's estate in sandringham. it was there in january 2019, while he was driving himself from the estate, that he survived a serious road accident. his vehicle overturned. he was badly shaken and he surrendered his driving licence shortly afterwards. by now, he was rarely

seen in public. there were occasional appearances at family occasions such as weddings. yet he remained a supportive figure to the queen and his family. the last sight of him was last month, leaving hospital in london after a month—long stay. he had been treated for an unspecified heart condition and he looked frail. while he'd been in hospital, the queen had had to deal with the aftermath of the sussexes�* us television interview without her husband at her side. tonight, his two eldest children paid tribute to him. i think he probably would want to be remembered as, as an individual in his own right, really. princess anne spoke of the support he had given to the queen. his appreciation of how he could help the queen always seemed to be present, in terms of supporting her, because she was very young when she became queen and it needed

to be a double act for a lot of that time in order to allow her to take on that role. throughout his adult life, despite the formality of his position, philip retained his own style of doing things. he made his own, uncompromising mark on national life. he once summed up his approach in characteristically forthright fashion. i've just done what i think is my best. i can't suddenly change my abilities or my interests or my way in which i react to things. that's somebody�*s style and it's too bad. throughout all the monarchy�*s many ups and downs since the second world war, philip, duke of edinburgh, the longest serving consort in british history, was the restless outsider who put his wife and duty first. in doing so, he fulfilled his coronation oath of allegiance to elizabeth, his queen.

their marriage and his support, were the essential foundations that underpinned the success of her reign. in a speech to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, the queen spoke of the debt that she and the country owed him. he's somebody who doesn't take easily to compliments. but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all of these years. and i and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know. the words of her majesty the queen ending that report by our royal correspondent, nicholas witchell, recounting the story of the duke's adventure and remarkable life. flags are flying at half—mast on government and royal buildings, including, of course buckingham palace. in a moment we'll be speaking to sarah campbell who's there, but first let's join our correspondent helena wilkinson at windsor castle.

helena, you have been there all day. what would you say about the atmosphere there? this royal town has seen many royal events over the years, sad and happy ones. it has been a day of quiet reflection here in windsor and understandably a sombre mood here as the news has spread through this town that the duke of edinburgh had died, many people came here to the castle, some laid flowers, some paused, shared memories and reflected on his remarkable life. we spoke to a young boy called 0scar who came here with his mother and left a card, on that card he wrote, your majesty, so sorry to hear about your majesty, so sorry to hear about your amazing husband. another card said, it is so sad, ijust wanted him to get to 100. the duke was a couple of months away from his 100th birthday, but he spent his last days here at windsor castle after being discharged from hospital three weeks

ago. he and the queen spent the last year here isolating together. they quietly celebrated the duke's 99th birthday last year, they also quietly celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. tonight, huw, at the castle behind us, the queen, now a widow, is in mourning for her husband, a husband who was by her side for so many years.— side for so many years. helena, thank yom _ side for so many years. helena, thank you. let's _ side for so many years. helena, thank you. let's go _ side for so many years. helena, thank you. let's go from - side for so many years. helena, l thank you. let's go from windsor side for so many years. helena, - thank you. let's go from windsor to central london. 0ur royal correspondent sarah campbell is at buckingham palace. we are of course at a very difficult period in terms of public health with all of these restrictions, and one can assume then that the kinds of crowds that we might have expected at the gates today clearly are not there, and of course it will affect as well the way the palace is planning the next few days.- planning the next few days. that's ri . ht, the planning the next few days. that's right, the deaths _ planning the next few days. that's right, the deaths of— planning the next few days. that's right, the deaths of many - planning the next few days. that's l right, the deaths of many thousands of people over the past year haven't

been marked in a way that their friends and families would have liked due to the pandemic, and prince philip's will be no different. the notice of his death in line with tradition was brought out to the railings of buckingham palace on an easel, but it didn't stay there, it was taken down after an hour for stay there, it was taken down after an hourforfear of stay there, it was taken down after an hour for fear of attracting crowds. and as you say, people have been coming here all afternoon, they have been coming to lay flowers, to write messages or simply to spend some time here at what was the duke's london home, and in small numbers they do continue to come this evening, but going forward, the advice really is that due to covid, people are being asked not to gather at royal residences. they are being asked to donate to charity rather than bring flowers, and in terms of writing their messages of thanks to the duke for his years of public services under message support for the queen at this difficult time, they are being asked to write them on the online book of condolence which is now live on the royal

website. going forward, the arrangements for the funeral are being finalised at the moment and will be made public as soon as they have been approved by the queen. sara, once again, many thanks. sarah campbell, our royal correspondent at buckingham palace tonight. politicians will deliver their own tributes when parliament is recalled at westminster on monday. all campaigning for may's elections has been suspended. the government is asking people not to gather or leave flowers at royal residences, because of the current restrictions, and to minimise travel. 0ur royal correspondent, daniela relph, reports now on the reaction to the news of the duke's death. the union flag at half mast. above the palace where he had spent so much of his working life. and placed on the gates, the official announcement of the duke of edinburgh's death. for the royalfamily, this is a deeply personal loss. earlier today, the prince of wales

left his home in gloucestershire to visit his mother at windsor castle. it is to her majesty and her family that our nation's thoughts must turn today, because they have lost notjust a much—loved and highly respected public figure but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and, in recent years, great—grandfather. his presence and significance in british national life recognised in the tributes. the uk has lost an extraordinary public servant in prince philip. he dedicated his life to our country, and above all i think he will be remembered for his support and devotion to the queen. memories of an extraordinary man, a note amongst the flowers left at windsor, where he died. but the remembrance has gone way beyond this royal town. on behalf of the welsh government and people in all parts of wales,

i offer our deepest condolences to her majesty the queen, her majesty's children and their families, on this sad occasion. it is with deep sadness that i have learnt of the death of his royal highness the duke of edinburgh. it is a sadness that i know will be shared by countless others in northern ireland and right across the world. when any family loses a loved one, it's difficult and while they may be public figures they are also a family who are hurting, so i want to extend my condolences to them. at the queen's official residence in scotland, the formal announcement and personal memories. he had a close association, of course, with scotland. he went to school in scotland. i know that he enjoyed all of the time he spent at balmoral. he had a very long association as chancellor with the university of edinburgh. at westminster abbey this evening, and elsewhere around the uk, the bells were rung 99 times as a mark of respect for the duke's 99 years.

prince philip sums up a life lived well and ended well, and i would say across the nation we can look at this life, feel a deep sense of pride, a deep sense of admiration and gratitude. the royal family will grieve privately for now, although tonight on the duke and duchess of sussex's charity website, a message that thanks the duke of edinburgh for his service, saying he will be greatly missed. across the uk, the duke remained a memorable public figure. 99 years old, a very good age to get to. shame he didn't get to his 100th birthday. he did say a few little things that he shouldn't do, but that's what i like as well. well, he is human. like we allare. it's back to that, you know, being human, isn't it? -

he's just been a wonderful man, and their love has been playing for everybody to see. so really sincerest condolences to the queen. at buckingham palace this evening, at the end of a day of great sadness for many, a steady stream of people came to pay their respects to a man who held a unique place in public life. some of today's reaction there, and that was daniela relph reporting. we saw earlier that borisjohnson, the prime minister, had made his own statement in downing street, not long after the announcement at midday today, and mps will be going to westminster on monday for their own session to pay tribute. 0ur political editor, laura kuenssberg, is in downing street. what can we expect, laura? normal

olitics, what can we expect, laura? normal politics. huw. _ what can we expect, laura? normal politics. huw. is— what can we expect, laura? normal politics, huw, is on _ what can we expect, laura? normal politics, huw, is on pause _ what can we expect, laura? normal politics, huw, is on pause for- what can we expect, laura? normal politics, huw, is on pause for now . politics, huw, is on pause for now and the showing of respect and tributes is there in its place, not just for the prime minister at the lectern here today, but on monday in the house of commons, mps will give their public respects for as long perhaps six or seven hours, but perhaps six or seven hours, but perhaps more crucially a very important set of elections are under way right now in scotland, wales and in parts of england, and campaigning in parts of england, and campaigning in those ballots is suspended for now. and i think partly we are seeing what you might expect, a formal showing of respect for someone who has been part of this country's fabric for such a long time. but there is one thing that has been agreed on from politicians right across the public spectrum that has been crystal clear, because one of the curiosities of our unwritten constitution is that the husband or wife of a monarch doesn't have a specific role, but by being by the queen's side for such a long

time in such a stalwart supporter, by extension politicians have all acknowledge that prince philip did such a huge service to the country as a whole, and we have seen that time and again from politicians from every single party who, as soon as the news emerged, were lining up to give their tributes. and just the length of his life is one thing that has been commented on so much in westminster today. prince philip was born when lloyd george was prime minister, his adult life spent in public service, and the longevity of service, that permanence of the monarchy a contrast perhaps tonight to so much of the thrash of modern day politics, the business in the 20205 that day politics, the business in the 2020s that tonight at least is on hold. . . 2020s that tonight at least is on hold. ., ., , , , 2020s that tonight at least is on hold. ., ., ,, , ., , 2020s that tonight at least is on hold. ., ., ., , ., hold. laura kuenssberg, many thanks auain, her hold. laura kuenssberg, many thanks again, her thoughts _ hold. laura kuenssberg, many thanks again, her thoughts from _ hold. laura kuenssberg, many thanks again, her thoughts from downing - again, her thoughts from downing street. prince philip pledged at his marriage in 19117 to give

lifelong support to his wife and, after she ascended the throne in 1952, he was a permanent presence at her side. his sense of duty and service has been mentioned in many of today's tributes, including president biden, who offered his condolences and said that the duke's legacy will live on "through all the charitable endeavours he shaped". 0ur diplomatic correspondent, james landale, reports on reaction around the world to the duke's death. and first to greet his royal highness, the governor sir maurice dorman. for more than 70 years, the duke of edinburgh crisscrossed the world. sometimes at the queen's side, sometimes on his own, leaving an international legacy that was reflected in the global tributes paid today. now breaking news from the uk. the royal family has issued a statement. across the world, his death made the headlines. from a white house the duke knew so well, the current incumbent sent his deepest condolences.

prince philip, he was a heck of a guy. you know, he was, in his lifetime of service to the united kingdom and the commonwealth, i think he is going to be missed particularly in the united kingdom. 99 years old, he never slowed down at all. and which i admire the devil out of him. and it was to the commonwealth that the duke travelled so often, renewing friendships with countries with historic ties to britain, including those like canada, which still held the queen as head of state. prince philip was a man of service. motivated by a sense of duty to others. i know that through the duke of edinburgh's award he helped empower millions of young people. at times the duke represented the queen overseas, as countries marked their move from empire, to independence and then commonwealth. you should have seen his royal highness at the last

commonwealth heads of government meeting, it was extraordinary. he was the heart and the soul, and i think he will be greatly missed. he brought spice and excitement wherever he went, and i don't think we will see the like of him again. the duke had a global perspective. all the places and the people you have seen, they all belong to this one family of nations of ours. presenting television programmes about his travels... ..but also representing britain at memorials for a world war in which he played an active part. chancellor merkel said his friendship with germany would not be forgotten. president macron of france said he lived an exemplary life, defined by bravery and duty. greek born, of danish blood, the duke was an elder statesman of european royalty. the spanish king here on the left and his wife sent a telegram to the queen.

0ne place of course where the duke may be especially missed is the island of tanna in the south—west pacific, where he was worshipped by some as a god. james landale with some of the world reaction. we have already heard from the first ministers of scotland, wales and northern ireland, lets talk more about reaction in those nations. 0ur correspondent allan little is at holyrood palace tonight. given the links between the duke and edinburgh itself and balmoral, as the first minister mentioned earlier, tell us a bit more about the sense of the way this news has been received.— been received. well, the lion ram ant been received. well, the lion rampant is — been received. well, the lion rampant is flying _ been received. well, the lion rampant is flying at - been received. well, the lion rampant is flying at half - been received. well, the lion| rampant is flying at half mast been received. well, the lion -

rampant is flying at half mast above holyrood house. nicola sturgeon said she sent her personal and deepest condolences to the queen and those of the entire scottish people. the other party leaders echoed those sentiments and said they agreed to suspend campaigning for the scottish parliamentary elections next month. the moderator of the general assembly of the church of scotland said the duke of edinburgh had demonstrated throughout his life that privilege ought to be linked, as he put it, to service, and the duke of edinburgh had shown us over many years what this looks like but, perhaps most striking of all, the sheer wealth of reminiscence from ordinary people in scotland, a reminder ofjust how many people's lives he engaged with over the years, which speaks volumes, i think, with the relationship of the royal family in general has tried to build with scotland, going right back the decision in 19117 to grant him the dukedom of the capital city of scotland. he was, after all, the duke of edinburgh. 0ne of scotland. he was, after all, the duke of edinburgh. one example is

the seven decades he spent as chancellor of the university of edinburgh. the principal today saying he was far more than a titular chancellor, far more than simply a name on the stationary, that he engaged energetically and actively and knowledgeable with the lives of the students collectively and individually, and cutting edge research projects, especially in science and technology for the one last such reminiscence, i learned today that, when the queen came here today that, when the queen came here today in 2017 to open the new suspension bridge across the firth of forth and the duke of edinburgh accompanied her, the engineer detailed to show him around was told in advance, whatever you do, don't walk slowly and don't talk to him as though he is an old man. he was 95 at the time. though he is an old man. he was 95 at the time-— at the time. thank you very much, our special — at the time. thank you very much, our special correspondent - at the time. thank you very much, our special correspondent at - our special correspondent at holyrood. 0ur ireland correspondent, emma vardy, is at hillsborough castle, the queen's official residence in northern ireland. would you say the response there has been pretty unified? what is your sense of it? the

been pretty unified? what is your sense of it?— sense of it? the news today has temporarily _ sense of it? the news today has temporarily subdued _ sense of it? the news today has temporarily subdued the - sense of it? the news today has. temporarily subdued the tensions that we have seen in northern ireland, after several nights of violent scenes here. however, there were a number of loyalist protests that were for this evening. there were called off as a mark of respect, but saying that we have in the past hour seen some scenes of street disorder still breaking out in belfast. people here have been remembering as well the way prince philip has continued to visit northern ireland, even during the difficult days of the troubles, and it was brought very close to home for him with his own uncle, lord mountbatten, was murdered by the ira. a bomb was detonated in his boat off the coast of ireland in 1979, and it was significant today that, among the tributes paid to prince philip here was michelle 0'neill, deputy leader of sinn fein, the republican party once best known as the political wing of the ira.

prince philip visited northern ireland many times in much happier times, too. the end of the queen were taken on a special train visit many parts of northern ireland on her correlation tour, and he continued to visit northern ireland more than 50 times over seven decades. . ~ more than 50 times over seven decades. ., ,, , ., ., decades. thank you for those thou . hts decades. thank you for those thoughts at _ decades. thank you for those thoughts at hillsborough, - decades. thank you for those i thoughts at hillsborough, emma vardy. sian lloyd is outside cardiff castle this evening. it's worth pointing at the duke's links with wales, at least at a kernel of the welsh guards for many but others as well.— but others as well. yes, and people from across — but others as well. yes, and people from across wales _ but others as well. yes, and people from across wales have _ but others as well. yes, and people from across wales have been - but others as well. yes, and people| from across wales have been paying their tributes to the duke of edinburgh today, and there will be a death gun salute fight here from cardiff castle tomorrow. the duke of edinburgh visited wales many times over the years, usually accompanying the queen, but it will perhaps be a

visit that he made in the immediate aftermath of the aberfan disaster in 1966 that people will be particularly remembering here today. 116 children and 28 adults lost their lives when a school was engulfed by coal slurry. the duke of edinburgh met grieving families and spoke to rescuers and was a great comfort to many. he returned a week later with the queen and the couple returned to aberfan a number of times over the years. the duke of edinburgh did have a lasting relationship with wales and its people, and he had a keen interest in welsh life, serving as chancellor of the university of wales and attending the opening of the senedd, where tributes will be paid on monday. where tributes will be paid on monda . . ~ where tributes will be paid on monda . ., ,, i. where tributes will be paid on monda . ., ,, ,, ., ., monday. thank you, sian lloyd, our correspondent— monday. thank you, sian lloyd, our correspondent in _ monday. thank you, sian lloyd, our correspondent in cardiff. _ there's no question that one

of prince philip's greatest contributions to public life, some would say the greatest, was the scheme he established in 1956, the duke of edinburgh's award. at the time, the scheme was seen a radical and pioneering, encouraging young people to explore new challenges, take risks and show initiative. as our correspondent elaine dunkley reports, the scheme has enriched the lives of millions of young people, even during this pandemic. the duke of edinburgh's award, activities, expeditions and adventures. for millions of people, it has been part of growing up. it aims to give young people from all backgrounds a sense of achievement outside of the classroom, through field trips and volunteering. for these pupils at a secondary school in the heart of manchester, the experience has been life changing. when you go on duke of edinburgh, it is a whole different environment. it is green everywhere as far as you can see.

even signing up for it was a bit out of my comfort zone because prior to it i was quite shy and reserved and didn't talk to many people in my year. i'd been working in a charity shop for a year in my community- and i think definitely it's been a very interesting... - you get to meet lots of interesting people, you get to talk— to lots of interesting people, to hear their story. _ had fun and made so many friends without. .. don't know how i would have got through my high school years, honestly, it's been really, really good. it began in 1956 and grew out of the duke's own experiences of gordonstoun. the awards ethos was rooted in the philosophy of the school's headmaster, kurt hahn, who felt that education should be about more thanjust academic achievement. it is based on hahn's theory that you shouldn't be a specialist in any one thing. he felt that you shouldn't concentrate entirely on academic achievement. his philosophy was if you can get young people to succeed in any area of activity, that mere sensation of success would

spread over into a lot of others. when the scheme first started it was considered quite revolutionary but it also had its detractors. i think a lot of organisations thought it was going to be a rival to scouts, guides, outward bound trust, all sorts of people thought, "oh, dear, here comes another youth organisation to rival us." the cleverness was it was a programme which was complementary and not competitive so anyone could do it. the programme has moved with the times. it started as a boys—only group and even when girls joined there was a gender divide. can you tell me how you will be able to get instructors and adjudicators to teach things like marriage and make—up and all the other new schemes you've mentioned in your pamphlet? make—up we've got no problem, marriage might be a bit more difficult! from helping at food banks to vaccination centres, during the pandemic, many young people have

volunteered through the scheme. i think the duke of edinburgh is fantastic to gain especially independence. everyone can do it, everyone is helping the community, everyone is being active, everyone is learning a new skill, and i think the inclusion of the youth is fantastic. 0k, guys, ready to go? throughout the decades, the awards have been based on physical activity, skills, service and expedition. what you choose to do in each category is almost unlimited. then there are three levels — gold, silver and bronze. it was his energy that created the organisation, that enabled many young people to be able to access these development opportunities and he was an absolute stalwart champion for young people's opportunities and development, right the way through until he retired. while this is an incredibly sad moment to reflect on his passing, we are incredibly optimistic about the fact that we can build on his incredible legacy,

and the award will still be going strong many, many years from now. water! its popularity and success has spread across the globe, with more than 140 countries taking part. the scheme that bears his name will perhaps be his greatest legacy. a testament to the ideas and outlook of the duke of edinburgh. that was elaine dunkley with the story of the hugely successful duke of edinburgh's award scheme. let's get a final word this evening with our royal correspondent, nicholas witchell. cani can i start by asking about the days ahead and the kind of decisions that will have to be made in the palace and within government? maw; will have to be made in the palace and within government?— will have to be made in the palace and within government? many of these details have been _ and within government? many of these details have been already _ and within government? many of these details have been already worked - details have been already worked out. they will be made public tomorrow, but i think we can say two things are certain. events will be focused very much on windsor, st

george's chapel, and i think we will find the funeral will take place in about a week, i imagine. the other thing we can be absolutely certain of is there will be no fuss, precisely as the duke would have wanted and, i imagine, probably as he has directed himself. of course, which is also right and necessary within the covid requirements, and the palace and the queen will be absolutely determined and insistent that all those requirements are fully met and that the funeral is fully met and that the funeral is fully compliant. between now and then, from this nation and the wider world, tributes will continue to be paid to this restless outsider, as he was once described, who made such a contribution in support of the british monarch and the british monarchy. we british monarch and the british monarchy-— british monarch and the british monarch .~ ., ., ,, ., ., monarchy. we have talked a lot about character and — monarchy. we have talked a lot about character and contribution _ monarchy. we have talked a lot about character and contribution and - monarchy. we have talked a lot about character and contribution and sense. character and contribution and sense of service and duty. how will historyjudge this man? he of service and duty. how will historyjudge this man? history 'udge this man? he once said of

historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in — historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in a _ historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in a sort _ historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in a sort of— historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in a sort of moment - historyjudge this man? he once said of himself in a sort of moment of - of himself in a sort of moment of disparaging modesty, he described himself as a discredited balkan prince of no particular merit. his background was royal for top he was from european royalty, like the queen, the great—great—grandson of queen, the great—great—grandson of queen victoria a prince of greece, though he had no greek blood. he was mostly danish with a bit of german, russian and british blood, yet he came to be one of the most influential outsiders to marry into the house of windsor. he had a sharp mind and a sharp tongue. he didn't sufferfools. he could be mind and a sharp tongue. he didn't suffer fools. he could be abrasive and arrogant. there was a sense of danger about him, someone once said, but of course, as we have been saying, the queen was absolutely devoted to him. there were bumpy years back in the 1950s. he had no constitutional role. he struggled to find a role and found himself battling against the very cautious courtiers of buckingham palace in

the 1950s. but he did find a role for himself. he carved out particular issues and interests of his own, but his principal role always was in support of his wife, the queen, and, you know, ithink, when finally the rain of this monarch, queen elizabeth ii, does come to an end, and we assess what i think will be regarded as one of the most remarkable reigns in the long history of the british monarchy, the name of philip, duke of edinburgh, will be given great credit for the contribution that he made to the success and the stability of this rain. . ~ success and the stability of this rain. ., ,, i. success and the stability of this rain. . ~' ,, , success and the stability of this rain. ., ,, i. , . success and the stability of this rain. ., ,, , . . ., rain. thank you very much, nicholas witchell, rain. thank you very much, nicholas witchell. our — rain. thank you very much, nicholas witchell, our royal _ rain. thank you very much, nicholas witchell, our royal correspondent. l in a moment we'lljoin the bbc�*s news teams where you are, after which clive myrie will be here to have a look at the morning papers. 0n bbc two now, it's newsnight with kirsty. but we'll close tonight with some of the lasting images reminding everyone of the life and times

of prince philip, duke of edinburgh. from all of us, good night.

hello, you are watching bbc news.

welcome to viewers as we continue coverage over the death of prince philip, the duke of edinburgh. tributes paid today from all around the commonwealth. the news broke quite late in australia last night, so perhaps some people waking up to reaction with flags flying at half mast on government buildings. queen elizabeth, the head of state in australia and among those paying tribute was the prime minister, scott morrison. for nearly 80 years, prince philip served his crown, his country and the commonwealth. we can hear reaction now from ordinary australians. ihe we can hear reaction now from ordinary australians.— we can hear reaction now from ordinary australians. he was quite funn and ordinary australians. he was quite funny and he _ ordinary australians. he was quite funny and he had _ ordinary australians. he was quite funny and he had a _ ordinary australians. he was quite funny and he had a sense - ordinary australians. he was quite funny and he had a sense of - ordinary australians. he was quite i funny and he had a sense of humour. it is not so much sad, but a person you had great respect for. he was in

the war and lived through so many times and has been a witness to history. i times and has been a witness to histo . . , times and has been a witness to histo . ., , ., ., , history. i am very sad that he has one. i history. i am very sad that he has gone- i was _ history. i am very sad that he has gone- l was at— history. i am very sad that he has gone. i was at least _ history. i am very sad that he has gone. i was at least hoping - history. i am very sad that he has gone. i was at least hoping he - history. i am very sad that he has i gone. i was at least hoping he would last for— gone. i was at least hoping he would last for his _ gone. i was at least hoping he would last for his birthday. he gone. i was at least hoping he would last for his birthday.— last for his birthday. he might not have been the _ last for his birthday. he might not have been the king _ last for his birthday. he might not have been the king but _ last for his birthday. he might not have been the king but he - last for his birthday. he might not have been the king but he was - last for his birthday. he might not| have been the king but he was the kin- have been the king but he was the king in_ have been the king but he was the king in so— have been the king but he was the king in so many— have been the king but he was the king in so many eyes, _ have been the king but he was the king in so many eyes, i— have been the king but he was the king in so many eyes, i think. - king in so many eyes, i think. reaction— king in so many eyes, i think. reaction from _ king in so many eyes, i think. reaction from people - king in so many eyes, i think. reaction from people in - king in so many eyes, i think. i reaction from people in sydney. king in so many eyes, i think. - reaction from people in sydney. the united kingdom and the commonwealth has gone to enormous change during the reign of queen elizabeth and duke of edinburgh has played a huge part in helping britain and the empire transition towards a new relationship with the countries in the commonwealth club. in that time, the commonwealth club. in that time, the you travelled and develop connections with scores of countries learning about their respective cultures. 0ur south asia correspondent has been taking a closer look at the duke of edinburgh's relationship with the subcontinent. prince philip's ties to south asia randy. his uncle was lord mountbatten, the last viceroy of india and the first governor general of an independent india. prince

philip was also stationed in the region when