Wirral Council has created an online book of condolence to mark the death of Prince Philip

Wirral Council has set up an online book of condolence to mark the death of Prince Philip earlier today.

The Duke of Edinburgh died aged 99 Buckingham Palace confirmed today with "deep sorrow".

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."

Prince Philip retired from his Royal duties on 2 August 2017, at the age of 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.

This afternoon, Wirral Council confirmed its book of condolence will close for entries on the evening of the funeral of His Royal Highness.

After this, it will be printed and stored in Wirral Archives for future record.

The authority warned that all messages will be moderated and it may take up to 24 hours for your message to appear once it has been approved.

The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Tony Smith, has written to Buckingham Palace to express his sorrow at the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

In a letter to Prince Philip's private secretary, Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, the Mayor wrote: "It is with great sadness that I write on behalf of the council and people of Wirral to offer sincere condolences for the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"Appreciation for the extraordinary service he gave our nation is evidenced by the many heart-felt messages already left in Wirral Council's online book of condolence.

"Please pass my deepest sympathy on to Her Majesty The Queen for her loss.

"With thanks for an exceptional life."

Following the announcement of Prince Philip's death, Union flags at key council buildings, including Birkenhead and Wallasey town halls, were lowered to half mast.

Prince Philip is entitled to a full-blown state funeral, including a gun carriage drawn by the Royal Navy and a military procession.

But the private Prince has said he doesn't want a "fuss," and it is likely we'll see a pared-back ceremony.

Prince Philip was closely involved in the preparations, which are being coordinated by the Lord Chamberlain's Office at Buckingham Palace.

The service will be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, and will be a military-style funeral.

The guest list is likely to be only family, friends and heads of state from Commonwealth countries.

The Prince is not expected to be buried at Westminster Abbey or St George's chapel, like most monarchs and their consorts.

He will instead likely be laid to rest in the private Frogmore Gardens, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The gardens are said to be special to the couple, and it's where the Queen walks her corgis.

The Queen will now enter an immediate Royal Mourning period of eight days.

During this time, new bills will not be given Royal Assent to become law, and state affairs will be suspended as a mark of respect.

After the funeral, she will continue to mourn in private, but will resume her duties behind closed doors.

The Royal Family will enter an official Royal Mourning period for 30 days, after which the Queen will return to public life.