IN LIGHT of the news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died, The Argus is commemorating his years of service with a look back at some of his most memorable, funny and occasionally controversial quotes.

Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip has died at the age of 99.

As the longest serving consort in British history, the Duke visited Sussex on several occasions and made some of his most unforgettable quips while visiting the county.

The Argus: Prince Philip's visit to the i360 in 2016Prince Philip's visit to the i360 in 2016

In December 2000 on a visit to Gatwick Airport Prince Philip said to cabin crew: "When you think about all the publicity about planes being dangerous to fly in I wonder why aren't all of you dead."

The crew took the quip in good spirit and an anonymous senior staff member said: "That's just a joke. I have known Prince Philip for many years.

“That's the way he is. He always says the odd controversial thing."

The Argus: The Duke of Edinburgh was always "quick with a quip"The Duke of Edinburgh was always "quick with a quip"

In 2007, the Duke visited Brighton with Her Majesty The Queen to open The Crew Club, a youth centre in Coolham Drive.

At the opening, he is reported to have said: "Who are you burying today?"

On a visit to Brighton for the official opening of the i360, Prince Philip was in good spirits as he waved, smiled and joked with the crowd who had gathered in King’s Road to see him.

Speaking to seven-year-old Florence Fearn-Hughes, of Haywards Heath, standing outside in the crowd the Duke said: "Are you going on it? It's terrible."

Prince Philip laughed after making the comment which was clearly intended in jest.

However, he seemed to reserve some of his most controversial comments for overseas visits and public figures.

In 2001, The Duke told Elton John that his gold Aston Martin was “ghastly.”

On a visit to Australia in 2002, he said to a children’s band: “You were playing your instruments? Or do you have tape recorders under your seats?”

The Duke officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

He and Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.