The bell of Truro Cathedral has tolled 99 times this lunchtime in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh who died yesterday morning.

One toll for every year of Prince Philip's life rang out from 12 noon, as part of a number of ways the cathedral is recognising his passing and service to the country.

It coincided with a gun salute, with 41 rounds, at one round every minute, fired from midday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence said.

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The cathedral has also opened up an online book of condolence, as due to Covid regulations no physical book of remembrance will be available to sign in person.

Anyone wanting to leave a floral tribute is asked to do so at the west end of the Cathedral Green, and the cathedral will extend its opening for private prayer for the coming week to 10am until 6pm, until next Sunday (April 18).

Tomorrow's Sunday Eucharists at 10am and 11.30am will have special prayers, and there will be a special Evening Service at 4pm dedicated to the Duke of Edinburgh, which will be live-streamed along with the 10am service.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Revd Roger Bush, said: “The death of Prince Philip brings into focus a life of extraordinary service, not only as a devoted and loyal consort to Her Majesty the Queen, but also for his commitment to the World Wildlife Fund and to young people with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

"We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude and appreciation for a life of service and dedication.”

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The cathedral is one of a huge number of organisations paying tribute to the life of Prince Philip.

Flags have been flying at half-mast on all Cornwall Council buildings, with council chairman Hilary Frank saying: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

"Throughout his life he was a truly remarkable and much respected consort to Her Majesty The Queen. He selflessly gave her support, stability and comfort through times of enormous social change.

"I would like to pay tribute to his life of duty and public service. He touched the lives of so many people of all generations and will be greatly missed by the Royal Family and a grateful nation.

"I will convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family on their great loss."

The Queen and Prince Philip are presented with a print on a visit to St Ives Lifeboat Station. Picture: St Ives RNLI

The Queen and Prince Philip are presented with a print on a visit to St Ives Lifeboat Station. Picture: St Ives RNLI

People are also being offered the chance to submit messages of condolence by email to lieutenancy@cornwall.gov.uk

The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, said: "At this sad moment in our nation’s history, our first thoughts must be with Her Majesty the Queen.

"HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh has been an outstanding consort and companion to Her Majesty, 'her strength and stay' as she so memorably said.

"During a very long and exceptional life of service, he provided unstinting support to the Queen and also making a huge impact across a vast range of areas of public life.

"He was tremendously knowledgeable about so much and such fun to be with; whenever I saw him talking to gatherings of people, smiles and laughter always resulted.

"He visited Cornwall very frequently, most recently in 2014 when, aged 93, he visited Newquay Rowing Club, the Padstow Lobster Hatchery and the Tregothnan tea plantation during a hectic day. He will be hugely missed and his legacy will endure."

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Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: "I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Prince Philip.

“I also wish to express our condolences with members of the public at this time of national mourning.

“We will be flying our flag at half-mast as a mark of respect across various stations in Devon, Cornwall and Plymouth.

“Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to visit local authority websites for further information.”

And Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said it was "deeply saddened" at the news, adding: "We join the nation as we pay our respects."

From the RNLI, St Ives Lifeboat paid tribute saying: "Everyone involved in the RNLI sends heartfelt condolences to our patron, Her Majesty the Queen, on the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

"The Duke of Edinburgh has accompanied Her Majesty on many RNLI occasions and we thank him for his longstanding commitment to maritime services and a lifetime of support to Her Majesty."