Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99 in London.
Buckingham Palace tweeted the news on Friday evening, Australian time:
Australia's Governor-General said he is deeply saddened at the passing of Prince:
"It is my solemn and melancholy duty to advise that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away earlier today.
"I have informed the Prime Minister, and I understand the Government will make further announcements concerning funeral arrangements and how Australians can express their condolences, in due course.
"This is a sad and historic day.
"On behalf of the Australian people, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty and family, the people of the Commonwealth and to all those who share in this sad news."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said His Royal Highness was Her Majesty the Queen's 'strength and stay':
"Australians send our love and deepest condolences to her Majesty and all the Royal family. The Commonwealth family joins together in sorrow and thanksgiving for the loss and life of Prince Philip. God bless from all here in Australia."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the tributes in the United Kingdom:
"Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and her family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
"We are a kingdom united both in grief and gratitude; grief at Prince Philip's passing, and gratitude for his decades of selfless service to the country."
Governor-General Hurley said Australians should give thanks for His Royal Highness' lifetime of service, devotion and commitment.
"Service beginning with his time in the Royal Navy – including during the Second World War when he was mentioned in dispatches while a young sub-Lieutenant on-board HMS VALIANT.
"Devotion to Her Majesty The Queen, whom he married in 1947 and lovingly supported throughout his life, and to the entire Royal Family.
"And commitment to the Commonwealth and the many hundreds of organisations – including many here in Australia - of which he served as Patron and for whom he was a passionate advocate and supporter."
The governor-general said Prince Philip visited Australia 21 times over the years, including on each of Her Majesty's State Visits.
"He was a popular, engaged and welcome visitor to our shores.
"His impact was profound – not least on the more than 775,000 young Australians who have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award since it began here in 1959.
-- with AAP