Pope praises Duke of Edinburgh’s ‘distinguished’ public service

The Duke of Edinburgh shakes hands with Pope Francis as the Queen looks on (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

Pope Francis has offered the Queen “heartfelt condolences” for the loss of her husband and praised the Duke of Edinburgh for his devotion to marriage and “distinguished record” of public service.

In a telegram sent by the Vatican’s secretary of state and made public on Saturday, Francis said he was “saddened” to learn of Philip’s death at the age of 99.