Many Britons gathered in front of the gates of the royal palace at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday in the wake of Prince Philip's disappearance.

They pay tribute to "a wonderful man" who has "done so much for this country" since his accession to the status of prince in the 1950s.

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Britons of all generations were present on Friday afternoon, in front of the gates of the royal palace of Buckingham, in London, after the announcement of the disappearance of Prince Philip at 99 years old.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," a statement from the palace had indicated a few hours earlier.

As Europe 1 noticed on the spot, some people came out of curiosity, while others paid tribute to the one who will remain a pillar of the reign of Elizabeth II.

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"I am honored to be here today"

The sudden arrival of the crowd even forced the palace to remove the sign posted earlier in the morning announcing the death.

Objective: to avoid any overflow while the Covid-19 continues to be rife.

That didn't stop Colin, 75, from bringing flowers and meditating in front of the palace.

“Prince Philip is a man that I have known all my life,” he explains to the microphone of Europe 1. “He is a wonderful man and he has done so much for this country that I am honored to be here today. "

On the roof of Buckingham Palace, the flag is not at half mast.

He is only half lowered to mark the mourning.

And right now, the thoughts of the British are not only with Prince Philip, but also with Queen Elizabeth II.

"We are really sad for the Queen. They were made for each other!", Regrets Sandy, who lives right next to the royal residence.

"He's always been by her side through tough times and she is an example to us."

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Not a big surprise

While the news of Prince Philip's death saddens the UK, it was not seen as a big surprise.

The Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalized for a month last March for heart problems.

"Prince Philip" should have celebrated his hundredth candle in two months and a day.