Union Flags are flying at half-mast at Sunderland Civic Centre, Hylton Castle and the Port of Sunderland as marks of respect for His Royal Highness Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon said: “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.
“People in our city will re-call The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen opening the new Winter Gardens in 2002, and their visit to the Port of Sunderland as part of the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
“Others may have been there when the royal couple opened Washington School or when the Duke visited Washington Wetland Centre.
“Those with longer memories may remember the visit in 1993 helping mark the first year of city status for Sunderland, and other visits over the years.
“Many, many people in their younger days will also have faced the testing times and the sense of achievement that came with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go to Her Majesty and everyone in the Royal Family.”
Visits to Sunderland by HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh included:
* June 2012 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visit the Port of Sunderland as part of the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee
* November 2009 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh mark the official opening of the £19m Washington School
* October 2005 – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visits the Washington Wetland Centre
* May 2002 – Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh open the restored Winter Gardens as part of the £10m restoration of Mowbray Park and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, which included a £7m Heritage Lottery Fund grant
* May 1993 – Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visit England’s newest city a year since the granting of city status
* May 1987 – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the 607 (Wearmouth) Squadron’s Headquarters at Douglas Road, Seaburn, Sunderland
* 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 of Edinburgh.
