World leaders mourn late UK Prince Philip

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Queen Elizabeth II on Friday to express his "deep condolences" on the death of her husband, Prince Philip, reported Xinhua news agency.

"Many important events in the modern history of your country are associated with the name of His Royal Highness. He rightfully enjoyed respect among the British and international authority," Putin said in the message.

The Russian leader wished Queen Elizabeth II courage and mental fortitude, and also extended sincere sympathy to all members of the royal family.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.

On the same note, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Friday also expressed her condolences.

"The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, who was born in Corfu (island in western Greece), served his country with devotion for many decades. I extend my warm condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the members of the Royal Family and the British people," she posted on social media.

The post was accompanied by a photograph of Prince Philip as a child wearing the attire of Greece's Presidential Guard.

Prince Philip was born in Greece in 1921.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday conveyed the same message of condolence to the people of the United Kingdom and the British Royal Family following the death.

"My deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Mnangagwa said in a message posted on Twitter.

-- BERNAMA