Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said Prince Philip and the Queen had “already been on the world stage for more than half a century” at the time of the group’s first meeting.
“As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried,” they said.
“The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humour. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown.”
During a visit in 2016, the then 94-year-old Prince Philip drove the Obamas to lunch at Windsor Castle.
The Obamas said they would “miss him dearly
George W Bush praised the duke’s devotion to public service.
“Throughout his long and remarkable life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others. He represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign,” he said.
He added that he and his wife Laura were “fortunate to have enjoyed the charm and wit of his company, and we know how much he will be missed”.
