Flags at half-mast at Sunderland Civic Centre as Mayor of Sunderland leads city tributes

Union flags are at half-mast at landmarks across Sunderland today as it pays its respects following the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 9th Apr 2021, 16:16 BST

Updated 9th Apr 2021, 16:22 BST

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Sunderland Civic Centre, Hylton Castle and the Port of Sunderland have each lowered their flags following the news earlier today, Friday, April 9.

Sunderland City Council has also shared photos taken during Prince Philip’s visit to the Washington Wetland Centre in October 2005 and footage as he opened new buildings off Chester Road at Sunderland Technical College in 1964, before they became part of Sunderland Polytechnic and then the University of Sunderland.

It has been joined by people from across the North East who have paid their respects and offered condolences to the Royal Family following his death.

The flag has been lowered at Sunderland Civic Centre as a sign of respect for the Duke of Edinburgh following his death, with the council also sharing photos of his visit to Washington WWT in 2005.

The flag has been lowered at Sunderland Civic Centre as a sign of respect for the Duke of Edinburgh following his death, with the council also sharing photos of his visit to Washington WWT in 2005.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon noted the series of visits in support of the city, as well as how young Wearsiders faced the tests and celebrated the achievements of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The Duke of Edinburgh has died - Buckingham Palace statement in full

Councillor Snowdon added: “His Royal Highness Prince Philip was a familiar face and figure across the world, and no stranger to our city with many visits to Sunderland over the years.

"Our thoughts and sympathies go to Her Majesty and everyone in the Royal Family."

A photo shared by Sunderland City Council of HRH Duke of Edinburgh visiting the Washington Wetland Centre October 2005, as he was pictured with centre manager Chris Francis.

A photo shared by Sunderland City Council of HRH Duke of Edinburgh visiting the Washington Wetland Centre October 2005, as he was pictured with centre manager Chris Francis.

Visits to Sunderland by the Duke included:

*June 2012 – The Queen and Duke visit the Port of Sunderland as part of the Queen's 2012 Diamond Jubilee

*November 2009 – The couple mark the official opening of the £19 million Washington School

*October 2005 – The Duke visits Washington Wetland Centre

*May 2002 – The Queen and Duke open the restored Winter Gardens as part of the £10 million restoration of Mowbray Park and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

*May 1993 – The Queen and Duke visit England's newest city a year since the granting of city status

*May 1987 – The Duke officially opened the 607 (Wearmouth) Squadron’s Headquarters at Douglas Road, Seaburn,

*May 1973 – Full day function in Sunderland presenting the Design Council award and attending the Wearmouth 1300 Festival

*March 1964 – Opening the Edinburgh building at Sunderland College, now University of Sunderland

*October 1954 – First visit as Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Duke.

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Prince Duke of Edinburgh Awards