NICOLA Sturgeon led Scotland’s tributes after Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the Duke of Edinburgh had died peacefully at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.

Prince Philip was the longest-serving consort in British history. He and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty.

He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

The Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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. Further announcements will made in due course. The royal family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

The First Minister said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the royal family.

“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and their grief is shared by people across the country. The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and long-standing ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle. From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over 50 years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.”

“Online Books of Condolence will open in the coming days to allow people to pay their respects. In line with current restrictions, the royal household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse of Balmoral Castle at this time.

The Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer Ken Macintosh announced that the Scottish Parliament would be recalled on Monday, tweeting: “I have decided to recall @ScotParl on Monday at 11am so that members can pay their respects to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who extended his friendship and support to the Parliament from the outset. Party leaders will be given the opportunity to speak to a motion of condolence.”

Earlier, Macintosh had issued a statement on behalf of Holyrood. It read: “I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and to the royal family following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip accompanied Her Majesty on many of her visits here and their unwavering support for this institution as well as the Duke’s to Her Majesty were clear for all to see.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, added: “His Royal Highness had a long and fond relationship with Scotland and, through his fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, has played a key role in building the confidence, ambition and aspiration of thousands of young Scots.

“As we reflect on the Duke’s life, we give thanks for his remarkable lifetime of dignity and devoted service, and extend our deepest condolences to the Royal family.”