Duke of Edinburgh

Grand Chief Sir Bob said the passing of Prince Philip marks a sad day in history not only for the Royal family but also the Commonwealth of Nations, of which Papua New Guinea is a part of.

He remarked on the long and outstanding service rendered by the Duke of Edinburgh over the last 70 years as nothing short of remarkable and a reflection of outstanding loyal service to the Queen, country and the Commonwealth.

“The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh HRH Prince Philip marks a sad day in our history,” he stated.

Prince Philip, who turns 96 in June, made the decision himself and the Queen supported him, a spokesman said.

"I'm sorry to hear you're standing down", one man told him at a royal lunch on Thursday. "Well, I can't stand up much," the duke quipped.

The duke will attend already scheduled engagements between now and August but will not accept new invitations.

The Queen "will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements", the palace said.