Commonwealth leaders pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh taking photographs during their visit to the South Sea Islands of Tuvalu (PA)

Commonwealth leaders have led international reaction to the Duke of Edinburgh’s death at the age of 99.

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison tweeted that the duke “embodied a generation that we will never see again”.

“Australians send our love and deepest condolences to Her Majesty and all the Royal family.

“The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia,” he tweeted.

Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau described Philip as a “man of great purpose and conviction” in a tribute posted on the social media platform.

“A man of great purpose and conviction, who was motivated by a sense of duty to others, Prince Philip contributed so much to the social fabric of our country – and the world,” he wrote.

“Prince Philip will be remembered as a decorated naval officer, a dedicated philanthropist, and a constant in the life of Queen Elizabeth II.”

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi recalled Philip for his “distinguished career in the military” and work “at the forefront of many community service initiatives”.

“May his soul rest in peace,” he added.

Other world leaders also offered their respects, with Irish President Michael D Higgins expressing his condolences to the Queen.

“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I wish to convey my condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her children, her extended family and the people of the United Kingdom,” he said in a statement.

He added: “For over 60 years, and as husband to Britain’s longest serving monarch, Prince Philip served the British people with an unfailing commitment and devotion to duty.”

“In the course of his long service he frequently brought an air of informality to otherwise formal occasions.

“His distinctive presence and unique sense of humour put participants at ease and always engaged those who encountered him.”

President Higgins added the Irish saying “Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis”, meaning may his holy soul be on the right side of God.

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the duke would be “missed in Israel and across the world”.

He wrote on Twitter: “I express my deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

“Prince Philip was the consummate public servant and will be much missed in Israel and across the world.”