'Great sadness' Milton Keynes Mayor mourns Prince Philip

Milton Keynes Mayor, Andrew Geary, released the following statement in tribute to Prince Philip on the Milton Keynes Council website, saying: "It is with great sadness that Milton Keynes Council hears of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

"We send our deep condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Milton Keynes. I will be writing to The Royal Household to express our sympathies.

"Flags are now flying at half-mast at the Council’s civic offices and will do so at Station Square; they will continue to fly at half-mast until after the funeral of His Royal Highness."

The Mayor encouraged Milton Keynes residents to pay tribute to the Prince virtually, adding: "Due to current COVID-19 restrictions no Book of Condolence will be opened in Milton Keynes and local people who wish to send condolences are invited to do so on the Buckingham Palace online Book of Condolence, which will be available at www.royal.uk.

"Anyone who wishes to place flowers can do so while observing social distancing precautions at the Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park."

People wishing to leave flowers are advised not to bring candles and to remove cellophane wrappers before they're placed. Items deemed to be non-weatherproof may be removed by staff at the Rose