The following statement was delivered by the Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker, in the House of Assembly today:

On behalf of Members and staff of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.

While we mourn His Royal Highness Prince Philip, I would like to pay tribute to his memory by reflecting on his importance to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the time he spent here. His first visit to the province was from November 11 to 12, 1951, as he accompanied Her Majesty – at the time, the Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh – who was visiting on behalf of her ailing father. During that visit, Prince Philip attended many memorial ceremonies throughout St. John’s, including a visit to the St. John’s War Memorial and Government House.

Prince Philip’s most recent visit was in 1997 during the momentous occasion of the 500th anniversary of John Cabot’s arrival, during which time he toured both Newfoundland and Labrador with Her Majesty, to great fanfare and excitement in the cities and towns visited on this tour.

It should also be noted that our Legislature, contained within Confederation Building, sits on a thoroughfare named in honour of His Royal Highness: Prince Philip Drive. May we remember him fondly as we proudly serve Her Majesty in doing the work of the people of this great province.

As a Legislature and as a province, our prayers remain with Her Majesty and the Royal Family in the difficult time ahead.

I now ask that you join me in observing a moment of silence in honour of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca