Ex-US president George W Bush leads global tributes to Duke of Edinburgh

Former US president George W Bush has praised the Duke of Edinburgh’s devotion to worthy causes and to others after his death aged 99.

In a statement issued on behalf of himself and his wife Laura, Mr Bush said: “He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign.

“Laura and I are fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed.”

He added that he and his wife offer heartfelt condolences to the Queen and the rest of Philip’s family.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the royal family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather with the death of Prince Philip.

Mr Trudeau said he was a “man of great service to others”, first as a decorated naval officer and later as a leader in philanthropy.

He said Philip had a special relationship with the Canadian armed forces and noted he was named honorary general of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as honorary admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The Queen is head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies.

Germany’s president said Prince Philip will be remembered as one who helped in the fight against Nazi tyranny.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s head of state, offered a condolence message to the Queen.

“We Germans mourn a winning personality who made an important contribution to the reconciliation of our nations after the horrors of the Second World War,” Mr Steinmeier said.

“As a member of the Royal Navy, Prince Philip fought for the liberation of Europe from Nazi terror,” Mr Steinmeier added.

“His contribution to democracy and peace will remain in our memories.”

France’s Europe minister Clement Beaune tweeted that “Prince Philip was a grand figure of the century for the United Kingdom”.

“Thoughts and friendship toward the British people,” Mr Beaune added.