TRIBUTES have been paid to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh ­— here's what some of the Island's key figures had to say.

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace today, it was announced The Queen's beloved husband had died peacefully this morning, at Windsor Castle.

MP Bob Seely said: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family, but especially with Her Majesty The Queen.

"Prince Philip was by her side for more than 70 years. He was the longest-serving consort to any serving monarch in our history.

MP Bob Seely.

MP Bob Seely.

“As a sportsman, Prince Philip was a keen sailor and regular visitor to the Island.

"He often sailed in Cowes Week. Indeed, he was influential in the evolution of Cowes Week from the 1960s onwards.

He was Commodore of Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron in the same decade and remained Admiral of the Squadron from the 1950s until the day he died."

Council leader Dave Stewart.

Council leader Dave Stewart.

Cllr Dave Stewart, out-going leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: "I am extremely sad to learn of the death of Prince Philip.

"He was a great lover of Cowes Week and the Island sailing scene and spent a lot of time here.

"The Isle of Wight was always well served by the Duke and the rest of the Royal Family.

"The sight of the Royal Yacht Britannia off Cowes in regatta week holds fond memories for myself and, I am sure, many Islanders."

Carisbrooke Castle - Rememberance Service - IWC led service held in the field of rememberance - Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon and Cllr George Cameron.

Carisbrooke Castle - Rememberance Service - IWC led service held in the field of rememberance - Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon and Cllr George Cameron.

Mrs Susie Sheldon HM Lord-Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight said: "I am sure that all Islanders will wish to join me and my husband Jamie as we mourn the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness has featured in the life of the nation for as long as most of us can remember, indeed few of us now can recall a time when he was not working alongside Her Majesty The Queen.

"But he will also be remembered for his own singular contributions to the fabric of the nation and the Commonwealth.

"Many of you will have followed The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and benefited from the far-sighted scheme which he instigated in 1956.

"Those of you who achieved your Gold Award may well have attended receptions at St James’s Palace and discovered for yourselves what an extraordinarily inspirational man he was.

"His Royal Highness was, of course, a keen and competitive sailor and was a regular and very popular visitor to Cowes Week.

"Indeed, through his leadership he was instrumental in setting up Cowes Combined Clubs, the body made up of all the clubs responsible for coordinating the racing today.

"His links with the Island were very special.

"Her Majesty The Queen and all the members of the Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time."