It is with great sadness that Kirklees joins the country in mourning after the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Union flags on council buildings will be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning and an online book of condolence has been opened.

Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Mumtaz Hussain, said: “On behalf of the citizens of Kirklees, I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and family on the loss of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke of Edinburgh Awards was established to help young people develop essential life skills and make new friends – a proud legacy he leaves behind that will live on through the generation’s past, present and future.”

Clr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“We will be paying our respects in Kirklees by flying our union flags at half-mast at all of our town halls and we have opened a book of condolence online. I know residents from communities across Kirklees will want to express, and share, their thoughts at this sad moment for our country.

Online book of condolence opened by Kirklees Council and flags to be flown at half mast

“His Royal Highness dedicated his long life to his Royal duties and our country. His work, particularly through The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, has helped young people develop invaluable life skills and his support for charities and causes over many years leaves an incredible legacy for generations to come.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of The Duke of Edinburgh’s family at this incredibly sad time.”

Jacqui Gedman, chief executive of Kirklees Council, said: “The death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh is incredibly sad news.

“On behalf of everyone at Kirklees Council I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family at this deeply upsetting time.

“His Royal Highness will be remembered for devoting his life to our country through his royal duties and I’d like to thank him on behalf of Kirklees for everything he has done.

“We will be paying our respects in Kirklees with an online book of condolence and our union flags will be flown at half-mast at our town halls.”