Prince Philip: DUP MLA Christopher Stalford in tears as he pays tribute to 'visionary' Duke of Edinburgh

MLAs from all parties took part in a special sitting of the Assembly during which they expressed sadness at the duke's passing and condolences to his family, namely Her Majesty The Queen.

The tributes were led by Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Sinn Fein MLA, Alex Maskey, who, commenting on the 73 year long marriage of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip, said "there could be no truer example of the term 'life partner'."

"Prince Philip gave the Queen 73 years of loyalty, support, devotion and love," said Belfast South MLA, Mr. Stalford.

"A tireless campaigner for conservation and environmental causes, in this he truly was a visionary and years ahead of the rest of society."

Mr. Stalford, who achieved silver and bronze in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, said the initiative represented a "magnificent legacy he will leave".

"Prince Philip was of the greatest generation in this country's history - the generation that defeated Hitlerism and fascism.

"I believe firmly he would have succeeded in any walk of life - he more than succeeded in the path he decided to walk in this life.

"He has gone to his reward - Matthew 25 verse 21 says 'his Lord said unto him, well done thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thy ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'

"God bless those who mourn and God save the Queen."

Buckingham Palace has announced that the Duke of Edinburgh's ceremonial royal funeral will take place on Saturday April 17 in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

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