TRIBUTES have been paid to Prince Philip, who has died at the age of 99.

The news was confirmed by the Buckingham Palace at 12:01pm on Friday afternoon.

Political figures and celebrities from across Sussex have taken to social media to express their sadness at his passing.

Piers Morgan, who was born in Newick, made his tribute to the Prince on Twitter, and praised the contribution he made to the public and his support to the Queen.

The former Good Morning Britain host wrote: “RIP Prince Philip, 99.

"A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty and was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign.

"A very sad day for our country. Thank you, Sir.”

Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club sent their condolences to Her Majesty the Queen on the death of her husband.

A spokesman for the club wrote on Twitter: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Prince Philip earlier today."

The city's MPs also paid their respects to the Duke, was the longest-serving consort in British history.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove and Portslade said in a tweet: “A terribly sad moment.

"Our whole community in Hove and Portslade will be thinking of the Queen at such a sad moment.

"Their marriage was remarkable, his service to our country unwavering.”

Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion praised the Duke for the "strength and support" he had shown to the Queen throughout their marriage.

Ms Lucas wrote: “I offer my sincere condolences to the Queen on the loss of her husband after 73 years and to the rest of the royal family who’ve lost a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather.

“He has been a huge strength and support to the Queen throughout her reign, as she herself has said on many occasions.

“His decades of public service have been appreciated by so many. I think particularly of The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which made such a big contribution to connecting young people with nature and the outdoors.

“Like so many people across the country, my thoughts are with the Queen and her family.”

These sentiments were echoed by former Conservative member of Parliament for Mid Sussex and grandson of Winston Churchill, Sir Nicholas Soames.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “The death of Prince Philip marks the passing of a truly remarkable man who lived a life of impeccable and dedicated service to his Queen and country.”