Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner has issued a statement following the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh:

“I heard the sad news of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, just before we held the monthly meeting of the Public Accountability Board on Friday 9 April. We were able, therefore, to hold a minute’s silence at the start of the meeting, to pay respects and offer our condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.

“I met the Duke six years ago this month following a service at Sheffield Cathedral when the Queen distributed the Royal Maundy. I was introduced to him at lunch in the Town Hall. He asked how I came to be the Police and Crime Commissioner. I said I thought I had retired and he said, ‘So did I, once.’

“The Queen and all the Royal family are in our thoughts and prayers. “