As we reported yesterday, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99. A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.”
A statement published by the trustees of Radio Horton read: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh earlier today. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the Royal Family as we unite as a nation in mourning his loss, pausing to reflect on his life.
“North Oxfordshire’s hospital, health and wellbeing broadcasting service, Radio Horton has previously worked with students enrolled on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, a youth awards programme founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip and one of his lasting legacies.”
“Whilst we did not have the distinct privilege of meeting His Royal Highness, we recognise the many lives he touched, spanning across multiple generations. Some of our volunteers (past and present) have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, learning valuable broadcasting, interpersonal or life skills, helping to progress with their future aspirations.”
“We are incredibly proud to have made a difference to young people in the local community across Banbury, who have been able to benefit from volunteering with Radio Horton, through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards”.
Monday evening presenter, George O’Connor is one such volunteer to recently benefit from the programme. George says: “The Duke of Edinburgh award, both bronze and silver were amazing. There are four parts of the award you have to complete to get the award, physical, volunteer, skill and expedition.”
“My volunteer part of the award was with Radio Horton! Which I started for my bronze award and then silver, back when I was 15. Now, I co-present the All Day Breakfast with Sam!”
Radio Horton alumni, Will Beech also became involved in Radio Horton, after being enrolled through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme. Speaking in 2017, Will commented: “Volunteering at Radio Horton certainly helped develop my technical abilities, as well as made me more personable. I’ve made several friends through hospital radio, helped at community events, and even assisted with redecorating the studios for the station’s anniversary celebrations in 2015.”
“I love getting to play my favourite music, and share it with people who may need to hear a friendly voice.”
Other tributes poured in from the community, including from Banbury Town Council which said: “Banbury Town Council acknowledges with deep sadness the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The council offers its sincerest condolences to all members of the Royal Family and is certain that throughout the town residents will express their sorrow at the Duke’s passing.”
“Prince Philip was an exceptional person who was admired and respected at home and around the world for his energy and devotion to duty and for his loyalty to the queen.”
The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust echoed the message published by NHS England, which read: “We are deeply saddened to hear that HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away. On behalf of colleagues across the NHS, we’d like to send our condolences to the Royal Family during this difficult time.”
A statement published by Adderbury-based Katharine House Hospice read: “Katharine House Hospice is deeply saddened by the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was a great supporter of the hospice movement. Our condolences go to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news that His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away. The thoughts of everyone at South Central Ambulance Service are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”
And the Banbury Lions Club posted a message on its social media channels: “We are saddened to learn of the death of Prince Philip, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke, married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years, became the longest-serving consort in British history, passing away just shy of his 100th. Condolences are with the Royal Family.”
Radio Horton is bringing hourly news bulletins and coverage following the passing of Prince Philip and yesterday, temporarily suspended its scheduled programmes. Anyone wishing to express their sympathies is invited to sign the Royal Family condolences book online, available here.
