Residents across South Lakeland have been paying their respects to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday, aged 99.

A number of flags located across South Lakes are being flown at half-mast.

For more details about Cumbria and national arrangements, including a link to the Buckingham Palace e-book of condolence residents and any visitors to South Lakeland are advised to visit the Cumbria County Council website.

Due to Covid restrictions residents are being encouraged to leave their condolence messages on-line on the Buckingham Palace e-book.

During the current pandemic, the Royal Household is asking the public not to lay floral tributes and therefore, South Lakeland District Council are asking residents to respect this decision and not lay flowers in locations across the Souht Lakes.

The council appreciate that members of the public would like to pay their respects, but want to respect the wishes of the Royal Household. Residents must also continue to follow the current Government coronavirus guidelines, particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel. So to keep everyone safe it is not appropriate to lay flowers.

Instead the Royal Household is asking the public to make a donation to one of HRH charities, or a charity of your choice. The Duke of Edinburgh supported many amazing charities and some of these have strong connections to Cumbria, for example one of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Patronages is the Outward Bound Trust which has its HQ in Cumbria, which can be found here.

Councillor Stephen Coleman, Chairman of South Lakeland District Council, led the tributes, saying: “This is indeed a sad day and a day of national, and international mourning.

“I want to pass on my sympathy, and the sympathy of the district of South Lakeland, to the Royal family who we must also think of at this time of great personal loss.

“The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen were frequent visitors to Cumbria and it was always our great pleasure to welcome them whenever they came to South Lakeland.’’

Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader of South Lakeland District Council, added his tribute.

He said: “South Lakeland joins the rest of the country, and the world, in remembering His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our sympathy goes out to Her Majesty The Queen and her family for their personal loss.

“The Duke of Edinburgh will always have a very special place in the hearts and minds of the people of South Lakeland.’’