TWO Test Valley leaders have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after it was confirmed by Buckingham Palace he passed away.

The news of his death was announced in a statement on Twitter by The Royal Family on behalf of the Queen.

It said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

He was aged 99.

After marrying the then Princess Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey on November 20 1947, the couple spent part of their honeymoon at Broadlands - the former home of The Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Mayor of Romsey, Janet Burnage, wrote in a letter on behalf of Romsey Town councillors: "It was with sadness that I write this.

"The Romsey Town Councillors and officers offer our deepest sympathy to the Queen and members of the Royal family at the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"The association between the Royal family and Romsey is a long and close one and we all know how much the Duke loved Broadlands, the home of his uncle Lord Mountbatten.

"He and the Queen spent part of their honeymoon at Broadlands and there are some lovely pictures of them at Broadlands looking so happy, at the start of a journey together that lasted for such a long time."

Hampshire Chronicle: The Royal newlyweds Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the grounds of Broadlands during their honeymoon where they took long walks, hand in hand, over the estate. November 1947. Picture copyright PA-Reuters. Southern Daily Echo Archives..

Ms Burnage added the town hall flag is now at half-mast, as a sign of respect for "the passing of a life of such lengthy and dedicated service".

Mayor of Test Valley, councillor Martin Hatley, released a statement on behalf of Test Valley residents following Prince Philip's death, stressing his decades of service and devotion to his family will "never be forgotten".

"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.

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

Prince Philip's death - the announcement

The Union Jack flag on Buckingham Palace is flying at half-mast following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death this morning.

Increased numbers of police officers are patrolling beside the palace gates where small groups of passers-by have also gathered.

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle weeks after being discharged from a month-long stay in hospital.

The royal family’s official website switched to a holding page in memory of the duke.

It featured a central image of Philip on a black background, accompanied by the Palace’s statement.