WEST Dorset's MP has written to the Queen to convey his sympathies following the death of her husband, Prince Philip.

Chris Loder offered his sympathies on behalf of west Dorset residents, after the Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday, April 9 at the age of 99.

Mr Loder's letter read:

“May it please Your Majesty,

"With my humble duty it is with the deepest sympathy that I write following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

"I am certain that the country’s sorrow at the Duke’s passing cannot match that of Your Majesty. The Duke’s service to his country both militarily and as Royal Consort has been something to which we can all aspire to emulate in our own lives, and in our own ways.

"As a recently elected Member of the House of Commons, I know that Parliaments and Governments are fleeting, but the constant presence of Your Majesty is a comfort to many, especially to my constituents in West Dorset who still fondly remember the visits of Your Majesty and His Royal Highness to Sherborne and Dorchester.

"Never before, and certainly not in my lifetime, has this nation had so much care for our Sovereign and Head of State. It is therefore with profound affection that I send my deepest sympathies and those of the people of West Dorset to Your Majesty and the Royal Family.

"I humbly wish Your Majesty to know that Your Majesty and His Royal Highness remain steadfastly in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

"I have the honour to remain, Madam, Your Majesty’s most humble and obedient servant, "