Leaders from across Andover have expressed their condolences following the passing of Prince Philip at the age of 99.

Politicians and the emergency services have paid tribute to the Prince Consort, whose death was announced today (April 9).

Kit Malthouse, the MP for North West Hampshire, changed his Twitter banner to a memorial image of Prince Philip.

He told the Advertiser: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh lived a life of remarkable devotion to public service.  His example inspired millions, from his wartime service in the Navy through to his pioneering work on the environment, and with young people.

"For many, including me, his obvious enjoyment of life and unstuffy attitude to the world meant he always raised a smile and he will be remembered with deep affection and respect.  The Queen and the Royal Family have my deepest condolences and the nation mourns with them for their loss.”

Meanwhile, the mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Martin Hatley, said:

“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, aged 99. HRH served The Commonwealth with passion, commitment and integrity, supporting and providing wise counsel to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for many decades.

"His service to the country through the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the love and devotion he showed to the Royal Family as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather shall never be forgotten.

"His Royal Highness also had close links to the borough and to The Broadlands Estate in Romsey where he spent his honeymoon with Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of all the residents of Test Valley, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.

"As a sign of respect and gratitude, the flags at the council’s buildings have been lowered to half-mast."

Councillor Phil North, the leader of Test Valley Borough Council, expressed similar sentiments.

He said: “I’m extremely saddened by the news today that HRH, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away. His life was one of service in the truest sense of the word.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone who lives in Test Valley by saying that our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this very sad time. We will be lowering the Union flag to half mast on all of our council buildings today as a mark of respect.”

The mayor of Andover, Richard Rowles, said: “Today the people of Andover and I join the nation in mourning following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country - from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.

“We send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire royal family, as well as all those affected personally by his death. We hope it comforts Her Majesty & the Royal family that so many across the country and indeed the world have them in our thoughts at this sad time.”

Emergency services have also joined in with the tributes, with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire are Rescue saying: “Hampshire Fire are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

Hampshire Constabulary, meanwhile, said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving British consort and, on behalf of the whole Hampshire Constabulary police family, we send our condolences to the Royal Household.”

The Air Ambulance said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“The thoughts of everyone at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are with The Royal Family.

“Fly high, Prince Philip. May you rest in peace.”