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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Nika Shakhnazarova

Joanna Lumley pays heartfelt tribute to 'kind, funny and very sharp' Prince Philip

Joanna Lumley has paid her respects to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh after he peacefully passed away aged 99 earlier this week.

It was announced on Friday (April 9) that the husband of The Queen had died peacefully at Windsor Castle that morning.

And now British actress Joanna has paid a heartfelt tribute as she recounted having the "great pleasure" to have met the royal.

"He was very kind, you know, I think that's quite often overlooked," she said during her appearance on the Andrew Marr Show today.

"He was very funny and very sharp, but very kind," she added.

Joanna Lumley has paid her respects to Prince Phillip (BBC)

Joanna went on: "I think he liked vigour, he liked get-up-and-go. He didn't like whingers and moaners, he liked people who challenged themselves.

"And then for the very humble and the very frail and very nervous, I think he was kind.

"The whole of the Duke of Edinburgh awards is to make people better, to make people see the best in themselves, and I think he did that when talking to people as well."

The actress and activist recalled sitting next to Prince Phillip at an event while another guest discussed hunting, fishing and shooting.

Joanna recounted having the "great pleasure" to have met Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions (PA)

After the duke noticed Joanna's vegetarian meal, he politely changed the subject of the discussion in a bid to include her.

Touching on his passion for the planet and caring for the environment, Joanna added: "When you think how far ahead he was in realising this perfect world we live in can only be ruined by human beings... he was always interested in those sorts of things, he was invigorating company.

"Sometimes there could be a snap remark, but it was only out of interest and impatience."

The duke was 99 years old at the time of his passing.

It was announced on Friday (April 9) that the husband of The Queen had died peacefully at Windsor Castle that morning (AFP/Getty Images)

The Royal Family announced in a statement on Friday: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces 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. Further announcements will made in due course.

"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Philip will lie in rest at the castle but he will not have a state funeral in line with his final wishes.

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