More tributes have been paid to HRH Prince Philip, who sadly died yesterday, aged 99.

The death of the Duke of Edinburgh has to a national outpouring of grief, with flags flown at half mast on Rutland County Council buildings and many others.

As Nub News reported yesterday, Oakham Town Council has paid its tributes, along with Rutland County Council.

Rutland County Council said last night it joins the Royal Family and countless people around the world in mourning the loss of the duke.

Flags are being flown at half-mast outside all Council buildings as a mark of respect and a two-minute silence will be observed at the beginning of public meetings.

Books of Condolence cannot be opened at the Council's offices due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, a digital Book of Condolence has been published online. The book can be viewed here and all are welcome to sign: www.tolbc.com/RCC-HRHPP.

As a passionate and committed environmentalist, The Royal Family has made it known that Prince Philip requested no flowers be laid in his memory. Instead, plans for a memorial orchard in honour of The Duke of Edinburgh are being finalised by the Rutland Lieutenancy. Further Details about how you can support this project will be made available shortly, the council continued.

Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland said: "It is with the utmost sadness that we heard of the death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. The loss of His Royal Highness will be felt across the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and across the world. However, it will be felt most keenly by our monarch, Her Majesty The Queen and her family.

"The Duke has been her constant companion and support throughout her reign. He is the longest serving consort ever, having been husband to our longest serving monarch. The Duke of Edinburgh's role as consort to our Monarch has been immensely successful. It has entailed support rather than personal stardom. He was unfailingly loyal and at all times put the interests of Her Majesty, the public and the State first.

"His Royal Highness was a man of many talents and interests. He was a great public servant and has had the distinction of leaving us all with a wide legacy. The Duke did so much for young people and the environment. He was a knowledgeable patron of over 780 organisations and he relished understanding what the organisations were about and how things worked. His Royal Highness has contributed hugely to so much that makes our world a better place. We will all remember his life with deep gratitude and respect."

Councillor Edward Baines, Chairman of Rutland County Council, said: "All of Rutland County Council is deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We offer our sincerest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh served our country with pride and dedication for decades – as a naval officer in the Second World War, the longest serving British Consort and as Patron or President of countless organisations. He will be remembered fondly, both here in the United Kingdom and around the world."

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was an outstanding public servant. As well as supporting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continuously throughout her reign, he also made an immeasurable contribution to countless charities and good causes. The outpouring of support and messages of good will that Prince Philip received throughout recent weeks has shown just what a special place he has in the nation's heart. There is no doubt that he will continue to be held in the highest regard by people here in Britain and around the world for many years to come."

Mark Andrews, Chief Executive of Rutland County Council, said: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was a popular and much-loved public figure. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which have become the world's leading youth achievement award and are undertaken by hundreds of children and young people in Rutland every year – teaching them to serve their communities, experience adventure and develop and learn outside of the classroom. He will be greatly missed."

Further announcements will be made by the Royal Family in due course via: www.royal.uk.