PRINCE Philip was a frequent visitor to north Essex both as escort to the Queen and in his own right

Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip’s death just after midday on Friday issuing a statement about how the royal family will join with people across the globe “mourning his loss”.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was master of Trinity House from 1969 and 2011 and kept a keen interest in its work.

He visited Harwich in 2004 to lay the first stone for the lighthouse authority’s £10 million development in George Street.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

The Duke at Hariwch Green in 2004

He returned eight months later to officially open the building - using golden scissors - while accompanying the Queen on a trip to the town.

In 1976, he made a diversion to Harwich after completing a Royal visit to Finland.

The Duke disembarked from the Royal yacht at Gravesend and was then flown by helicopter to Harwich to inspect the new £280,000 Pilot Office building on Harwich quay.

He landed on Harwich Green to the welcome of crowds - and a one man protest by former Essex county councillor and landowner Leonard Rose.

The Royal visited Harwich again in October 2000 - again flying in by helicopter.

From the green, he walked to the port’s ship navigation centre at Angel Gate to inspect the navigational equipment.

Flag-waving crowds lined the streets in November 2004 when the Duke accompanied the Queen on a visit to Harwich to mark the 400th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Ribbon - Prince Philip opened Trinity House's new offices in Harwich in 2004

They visited the historic Guildhall before walking along the quayside to tour the Mayflower exhibition at the Ha’penny Pier and visiting the Electric Palace cinema.

Councillor Pam Morrison, who’s husband Andy was mayor, escorted the Duke in the Guildhall.

She said: “He was absolutely delightful to escort and made everyone feel completely at ease.

“We had quite a few jokes.

“Some people think he used to make gaffes, but I think he just used to like making people feel at ease.

“He was well acquainted with Harwich and Trinity House and seemed to really like the town.

“Prince Philip served the country for a very long time - and he will be greatly missed by the people of this town.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Prince Philip with the Queen during their trip to north Essex in 2004

Trinity House deputy master Captain Ian McNaught added: “His Royal Highness’ long association with - and keen interest in -Trinity House is a point of enormous pride for us."

“It is really quite difficult to fully grasp the changes to Trinity House through which he steered us as Master of the Corporation between 1969 and 2011.”

"He became Master of an organisation with almost 2,000 people and a long chain of coastal depots, ships, workshops and stores.

"When he passed the baton to HRH The Princess Royal in 2011, he had been an integral part of our transformation into a lean organisation of 300 people making full use of technology and overhauled working practices to deliver the best possible service for the safety of the mariner, including LED lanterns, helicopters and satellite navigation systems.

"On behalf of the Court and the staff, we are deeply grateful to His Royal Highness and bid him a peaceful rest.”

Harwich mayor Alan Todd said that during the period of public mourning black rosettes and, where applicable, black ties will be worn by Harwich town councillors and officers during council meetings and civic occasions.

"The Harwich Town Council ceremonial mace will be adorned with a black bow and will remain in place when the mace is in use and on public display," he said.

"The Mayor and Mayoress’ Chains of Office will be decorated with black ribbon. When wearing the Mayor’s Badge only, this will be worn on a black ribbon.

"Mayoral engagements will be suspended until after the funeral has taken place."