From the British and international royalists, to those who knew him personally and even a small tribe in Vanuatu who worship him as a god, the news has been sad for many.
However, when Benalla's Judy Roscoe heard the news she simply remembered a nice man with a sharp wit and great sense of humour.
“When my husband Ian was Mayor we were invited to a garden party in Melbourne, which was to be attended by the Queen and Prince Phillip,” Ms Roscoe said.
Finally able to farewell father as NZ flights resume
“It was a morning function and there was no way to get there, you couldn't even get a taxi.
“We needed to get from Coburg to Government House, luckily we had an in-law who had an old London taxi, which he had imported.
“Not only did he get us there, but we drove up to the front door.
“The police just stood back and waved us through, they must have assumed we were with the official party.”
In the Groove – Women in the music industry exhibition closes tomorrow
Ms Roscoe said it was somewhat nerve-racking to meet the Royal Couple as attendees didn't know what to expect and had been told in no uncertain terms that you only speak to the Queen and Duke, if they speak to you.
“There was only one loudmouth there that day,” Ms Roscoe said.
“He was the Mayor of Stawell.
“At one point Prince Phillip came up to me and Ian and we were having a lovely chat.
Bowtell’s big mural workshop to draw crowds to Wangaratta art festival
“Then the Mayor of Stawell came over and interrupted, and introduced himself to the Duke.
“He said I'm the Mayor of Stawell, you know, where they have the big race each year.”
Ms Roscoe said the immediate area fell silent - with everyone knowing you were supposed to wait to be spoken to.
“The Duke turned and looked at him, and said ‘What do you want me to do about it? Run in it?
Tomorrow Today host come and try sports day
“It was quick witted and a great answer. He had a really great sense of humour.”
The Mayor of Stawell was well and truly put in his place and the Duke continued his conversation with Ian and Judy.
“Meeting him that day was a real experience,” Ms Roscoe said.
“One I will never forget.”
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
9°C