TRIBUTES have poured in for Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 last Friday.

Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle led the tributes – having met the Duke many years ago – commenting: “Tindle Newspapers and our whole staff are very sad to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh who did so much for the Queen and the country.

“We send our sincere condolences to the Queen and her family and hope she will continue on the throne even though she has lost her beloved husband of many years.”

The mayor of Waverley joined residents at a reflection service at St Mark’s Church in Farnham on Sunday, where the public had the opportunity to light a candle and tie a black ribbon in the churchyard.

Farnham Town Council also paid tribute to the Duke, with mayor Pat Evans writing to the Queen to pass on the town’s condolences.

She said: “His life was one of remarkable public service and we feel deeply proud and grateful for his selfless sense of duty.”

The Union Flag at Gostrey Meadow in the town centre is now flying at half-mast, with a black cravat attached to the flag outside the council offices.

Bells tolled over the weekend, with churches across East Hampshire ringing 99 times in memory of the Duke.

More letters of condolences have been sent out by Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) leader Keith Mans and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson said: “We are united in our grief and mourn the loss of The Duke of Edinburgh, who, as such a remarkable and prominent figure within our monarchy over many decades, was steadfastly devoted to the nation and his family throughout the years.”

Cllr Mans added: “The Duke of Edinburgh will be forever remembered with affection at the heart of our royal family, and for the enduring example of duty and service he set for every one of us. Hampshire’s thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and the rest of the royal family in sincere condolence.”

Wreaths were also laid inside Winchester’s Great Hall at midday on Saturday by Mr Atkinson and Cllr Mans, as well as the chairman of HCC, Cllr Melville Kendal.

East Hampshire District Council chairman Keith Budden added: “As patron to more than 800 organisations, Prince Philip has done incalculable good for so many people and so many causes, particularly those focused on the environment, industry, sport and education.

“On behalf of the people of East Hampshire, I would like to offer the royal family our sincere condolences at this sad loss.”