Condolence message from the Chief of the Air Staff regarding His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh:
"It is with overwhelming sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since the accession to the throne of Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness has been the embodiment of service and respect. Distinguished as the longest serving British consort, His Royal Highness also forged a remarkable personal legacy, including his award scheme that has benefitted countless young people around the world, amongst them our own air cadets.
Prince Philip served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. He has been closely connected to the armed forces and to our cadet organisations ever since, holding the rank of Marshal of the Royal Air Force and Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps. His Royal Highness was a talented pilot, earning his Royal Air Force wings in 1953 on the Chipmunk and Harvard aircraft and qualifying on many other aircraft types.
On behalf of everyone in the Royal Air Force, serving and retired, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family, and our immense gratitude for the life and inspirational service of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Chief of the Air Staff