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- Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Prince Philip in a heartfelt statement.
- In the tribute, Obama recalled his first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II's late husband.
- Prince Philip had "a sharp wit and unfailing good humor," Obama wrote.
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Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to the late Prince Philip and recalled his first meeting with Queen Elizabeth II's husband in a heartfelt statement released hours after the announcement of his death.
"When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century – welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev," the statement said.
"As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn't know what to expect," it continued.
"We shouldn't have worried. 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," Obama added.
The moving tribute went on to speak of the longest-serving British consort's character.
"Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown," the statement said. "We will miss him dearly."
The Obamas first met Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in April 2009 during a G20 conference.
In the following years, the couple developed a warm friendship with the royals.
In 2011, the Obamas stayed at Buckingham Palace for two days and enjoyed an opulent state dinner. They then returned the favor by hosting a state dinner at the US ambassador's home, BBC America said.
The Duke of Edinburgh drove the Obamas around Windsor Castle's grounds in 2016, the Evening Standard reported. They were then hosted for a special luncheon at the castle.
The Queen developed a "soft spot for Americans" after meeting the Obamas and requested that they return to the UK for another visit, Insider's Mikhaila Friel reported last year.
Obama was not the only former US president to share a tribute to Prince Philip.
Every living former president has paid their respects, BBC reported.
Former President Donald Trump referred to the death as an "irreplaceable loss for Great Britain, and for all who hold dear our civilization."
Former President George W Bush said that Prince Philip "represented the United Kingdom with dignity and brought boundless strength and support to the sovereign."