The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has expressed his sadness on the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and offered condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, passed away aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday (April 9).

Mr. Drakeford said: “It is with sadness that we mourn the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Throughout his long and distinguished life, he served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, his children and their families on this sad occasion.

“He will be missed by the many organisations that he supported as Patron or President over many decades of service.”

Pembrokeshire County Council have said it is ‘deeply saddened’ to hear of the death of His Royal Highness.

Flags are flying at half-mast at County Hall, Haverfordwest, Haverfordwest Castle and Fishguard Town Hall.

The Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Dr Simon Hancock, said: “On behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council I would wish to express our deep sorrow and pass on our condolences to Her Majesty and the wider Royal Family.

“For almost 75 years the Duke provided outstanding support to the Queen as our longest reigning monarch.

“His example of public service has been truly remarkable and earned him a very special place in the affections and respect of the British people.”

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council is writing to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family expressing the county’s great sadness following Prince Philip’s death.

Clr. Ieuan Davies has expressed deepest sympathies on behalf of members, staff and residents following today’s announcement from Buckingham Palace.

“It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh,” said Clr. Davies.

“On behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, I would ask you to convey to Her Majesty and her family our deepest sympathy at this very sad time.

“Carmarthenshire has fond memories of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee Tour of Wales in 2002 accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh when thousands of school children from across the County lined the route from Burry Port Harbour to North Dock in Llanelli, together with the Duke’s visit to Bancyfelin in 2010.”

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Carmarthen’s County Hall, Llanelli Town Hall and Ammanford Town Hall as a mark of respect.

The Duke of Edinburgh last visited Carmarthenshire in April 2010, to officially open an all-weather Village Games Court in Bancyfelin, in his official capacity as President of Fields In Trust.

He had arrived aboard the Royal Sovereign and was greeted by children of Llangunnor School at Carmarthen Railway Station before travelling to Bancyfelin.

Owner of the Tenby Observer, Sir Ray Tindle paid tribute: "Tindle Newspapers and our whole staff are very sad to learn of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh who did so much for Her Majesty 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."