President Joe Biden And First Lady Jill Biden Had This Response To The Death Of Prince Philip
The passing of Prince Philip has prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathies from all over the world. Among those offering their condolences were President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who released a statement from the White House shortly after Buckingham Palace's announcement on April 9.
"On behalf of all the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the entire Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh," the statement read. "Over the course of his 99-year life, he saw our world change dramatically and repeatedly. From his service during World War II, to his 73 years alongside the Queen, and his entire life in the public eye — Prince Philip gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family.
"The impact of his decades of devoted public service is evident in the worthy causes he lifted up as patron, in the environmental efforts he championed, in the members of the Armed Forces that he supported, in the young people he inspired, and so much more. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but in all the charitable endeavors he shaped. Jill and I are keeping the Queen and to Prince Philip's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in our hearts during this time."
The First Family missed out on meeting Prince Philip
Sadly, President and Dr. Biden never had the honor of meeting Prince Philip before his death, though they will have the opportunity to offer their condolences to the queen in person this summer. The queen has personally met with every U.S. president except Lyndon Johnson since the beginning of her reign, and offered her congratulations to President Biden on his inauguration (via Harper's Bazaar). In June, she will host a reception for him and other world leaders prior to the G7 summit (via The Times of London). Also expected to attend are Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince Charles, the eldest son of the queen and Prince Philip, is also a supporter of the Bidens, and reportedly hopes to meet the president sooner than later. Both men share a deep concern for the environment, and Charles is looking for Biden's support in his new Terra Carta initiative (via Tatler).
The Bidens do have a connection to one member of the royal family: Prince Harry. The first lady first met the prince nine years ago at an event for wounded military members, and they bonded over their families' legacy of military service (via Tatler). In fact, when the Bidens and the prince attended the 2016 Invictus Games — an annual sporting event for injured and sick service personnel — the future president joked that his wife and the young royal were getting a little too chummy.
The presidential statement, which Dr. Biden also posted to her Twitter account, received a general round of approval. One response from across the pond: "Thanks very much from your British friends."