The Yorkshire Agricultural Society which runs the Great Yorkshire Show has paid tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, and said he played an “integral part” in the society’s heritage.
A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Philip “passed away peacefully this morning” at Windsor Castle, aged 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh first paid a visit to the show in 1977 and attended the show on its landmark 150th anniversary in 2008.
He visited the show on the third and final day along with Her Majesty the Queen to meet exhibitors and inspect livestock.
The Queen was patron of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organised the show, from 1952 to 1997.
Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said the Royal Family have been an “integral part” of the society’s heritage and paid tribute to Prince Philip.
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Mr Pulling said:
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society sends its sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.
“The Royal Family and Her Majesty The Queen have been an integral part of the Society’s heritage since it first formed in 1837 and on two occasions, in 1977 and 2008, we were honoured to welcome HRH Prince Philip along with Her Majesty The Queen to the Great Yorkshire Show.”
As part of his engagements with the Queen, Prince Philip often visited North Yorkshire to lend his support to various initiatives and events.
In May 2010, he opened the Scarborough Open Air Theatre and supported military events across the county.
The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire described Prince Philip as a “hugely charismatic man, who was much loved and respected by so many”.
Tribute have also been paid by politicians, organisations and the Dean of Ripon Cathedral this afternoon.
