Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressed “great sadness” about the death of Britain’s Prince Philip who died on Friday aged 99.
The Romanian president tweeted that his country “stands with the Royal Family & the British people in this time of sorrow, expressing our condolences & full confidence that history will honor the contribution of H.R.H.”
Romania has a close relationship with the British royals through Prince Charles, the eldest son of Philip and Queen Elizabeth. Charles has a foundation and owns properties in the rural Transylvania area. Until the pandemic, he visited Romania every year.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen’s “strength and stay” for 73 years, died ,after he underwent heart surgery last month, statement from Buckingham Palace said.
“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….. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Philip was the longest serving consort in British history, and was only months away from his 100th birthday in June.
Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on 16 March to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital.
He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.
An official notice of his death was posted on the railings of Buckingham Palace, but was being removed shortly afterwards to avoid crowds gathering.
The coronavirus pandemic will have a major impact on the duke’s funeral. With restrictions still in place amid the Covid-19 outbreak, it is unlikely the public will be able to take place as originally planned.
Philip’s health had been slowly deteriorating for some time. He announced he was stepping down from royal engagements in May 2017.
