Tributes have been paid in Staffordshire following the announcement by Buckingham Palace of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away.

"Prince Philip has been a dedicated and loyal servant to the Royal family and to the country since the Queen came to the throne.

"The Prince visited Staffordshire on numerous occasions, including to mark the official opening of the flagship i54 South Staffordshire Business Park.

"We will all remember him for his hard work and of course his sense of humour, but first and foremost he was a husband, for more than 70 years, a father, grandfather and great grandfather and our thoughts are with the Queen and her family on this very sad day."

John Henderson, Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I am enormously saddened to learn that Prince Philip has died; my thoughts are very much with the Queen and the Royal Family today.

"I know that His Royal Highness has visited Staffordshire on numerous occasions. I also had the privilege of meeting him in my previous role as General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Germany.

"The Duke had been Colonel in Chief of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers throughout my entire service, and I will remember his wit and ability to put soldiers at their ease. He never forgot his own military service and how to be an effective leader.

"He will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the hardest-working royals with a huge character and spirit."

Mr Ian Dudson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and I send my heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and all The Royal Family.

"We will remember with gratitude both the wonderful support that His Royal Highness has provided to Her Majesty as well as the important role he has personally undertaken with many organisations, notably The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme for the development of successive generations of young people.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen at this difficult time."

Kath Perry MBE, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"The Duke has stood at the side of the Queen throughout her long reign and has, in many ways, played an important role in the life of our country. We will mourn his passing but will remember with gratitude his service to the Sovereign and the Nation."

Moorlands MP Karen Bradley added: "It is very sad to hear the news about HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. I am sure we will all spend some time this weekend thinking about Her Majesty and her loss and the incredible support the Duke gave her throughout her reign."