Prince Philip had huge 'sense of fun'

The Duke of Edinburgh's "sense of fun" will be an abiding memory, the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire has said.

Anna Turner said on many occasions it "brought a smile to faces as he made a joke and put people at ease".

The prince's death was announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Mrs Turner also praised his "dedication to duty and loyalty" to the Queen, and said he "led his life for the love and benefit of others".

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited RAF Cosford during the Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012

Mrs Turner said she had "many happy memories" of Prince Philip's "wry sense of humour and good practical sense".

"He insisted to the last that no fuss should be made on his account," she added.

'A perfect pint'

Keith Barrow, the former leader of Shropshire Council, remembered a time the duke saved a young waitress's blushes during the Queen's visit to RAF Cosford in 2012.

"There was wine on the table for everyone and he fancied a beer," Mr Barrow said.

The young waitress serving him started to pour it "very badly" Mr Barrow said, so he asked for the bottle and then "poured himself a perfect pint of beer with a perfect head and took away the pressure from the young girl who was serving".

Mr Barrow said this kind act to spare her embarrassment "says an awful lot about him as a person".

Prince Philip also visited RAF Tern Hill in Shropshire in May 1972

Tina Sandford said she met Prince Philip in 1975 when she was 15 years old and completing the Bronze stage of her Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Shrewsbury.

He had been visiting Sundorne Youth Club and they were told to curtsy, but not speak.

"As he came the room he came over to where we were sitting and promptly started to chat to us," she said.

"He sat down and had a cup of tea with us. The two things I remember is how charming and chatty he was. He smiled with his eyes and was quite mischievous."

She said his aides looked shocked and "we girls were all left speechless and starstruck".

• Obituary: HRH the Duke of Edinburgh

• An extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life

• Who he was, what he did and why he mattered

• Prince Philip: A life in pictures

• More on the prince and his life

Reaction to death of Prince Philip

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• In pictures: Death of Prince Philip announced

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• World leaders react to the death of Prince Philip

Politicians and other public figures in Shropshire have also offered their condolences to the Royal Family.

The leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Shaun Davies, said the duke had "served our country, our commonwealth and our Queen loyally".

Telford MP Lucy Allan said he had dedicated his life to public service.