THE Bishop of Bradford has called the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, 'curious, humorous and deeply respectful' as he reflected on the contributions he has made to the country.

The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, said churches and other faith communities are mourning Prince Philip, who died today at Windsor Castle.

Leaders in the UK and across the world have also spoken about Prince Philip's achievements helping young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and they also praised the long-serving consort of the Queen for his environmental and charitable contributions.

The Bishop of Bradford said: “Churches as well as other faith communities across the Bradford district are united in mourning the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

“I first met the Duke of Edinburgh at an event which I had helped to organise commemorating Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

“The different faith communities had come together with objects that represented their religious traditions, and I helped to lead the Duke around the exhibition, as he spoke with different leaders from across the country about how they lived out and practise their different faiths in modern Britain.

“It was a joy to see how engaged he was: curious, humorous and deeply respectful of all those gathered and the religions they represented.

“Countless young people have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme; his legacy on environmental issues is considerable, and the support that he has given to so many charities and other organisations is enormous.

“We give thanks for his life of service and extraordinary devotion to Her Majesty The Queen; will miss his inimitable contribution to national life, and we pray for The Queen all of the Royal Family as they mourn his loss."

Leaders in the UK and from across the world have also paid tribute to Prince Philip.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Prince Philip’s service and “bravery” in the Second World War, as well as his contributions after - from being a “champion of the natural world” through to having “shaped and inspired the lives of countless young people” through the Duke of Edinburgh award.

“We remember the Duke for all of this and above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the Queen,” he added.

“We offer our condolences to her and to all her family and we give thanks, as a nation and a Kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip.”

Joe Biden, President of the United States, said: “Prince Philip’s legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavours he shaped. Jill and I are keeping the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the people of the United Kingdom in our hearts during this time.”

The death of the Duke of Edinburgh also has had a heartfelt impact on Royalists across the country and in the Bradford district, including Margaret Watson from Ilkley.

Mrs Watson  said: "The news of Prince Philip’s death came as a great sadness to me.

"I remember him well when he came on to the scene,” said Mrs Watson, who camped on the Mall with her family for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"When they got married on November 20, 1947, I listened to the whole service with my mother. The Queen’s Coronation Day was also a special occasion. When he knelt in allegiance to the Queen, it was very emotional.

"He carried out his role as the Queen’s consort very well over the years. What a great debt she owes him. His dedication to duty and service has been tremendous."