HOLYROOD parties are announcing their campaigns are suspended following the death of Prince Philip aged 99.

Buckingham Palace announced this afternoon that the Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort in British history, passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle.

The duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty. He officially retired from public engagements in the summer of 2017.

READ MORE: Prince Philip: Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99 at Windsor Castle

The Scottish Tories, Scottish Labour, Scottish LibDems, Greens, SNP and Alba have all confirmed campaigning will be suspended following the news.

Following the announcement, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to the royal family on Twitter. She wrote: “I am saddened by news that the Duke of Edinburgh has died. I send my personal and deepest condolences – and those of @scotgov and the people of Scotland – to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”

Shortly after Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross confirmed his party would suspend its campaign.

He said in a statement: “In the middle of a political campaign, this is a reminder of what’s most important in life.

“We have lost a tremendous public servant who for decades served his Queen and country. My heartfelt condolences are with Her Majesty and all of the Royal Family.

“We have suspended our campaign effective immediately.”

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar also announced their campaign would be suspended, and said: “Scotland is today mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who contributed so much to our country.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen following the death of her beloved husband and the entire Royal Family, and on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party I offer our sincerest sympathies.

“Prince Philip had a deep love for Scotland and we will now come together as a country to remember his life and mark his distinguished career.”

In a tweet, the SNP announced they would follow suit. 

Alba Party leader Alex Salmond announced he would suspend campaigning. In a statement, he said: “As a mark of respect, Alba have suspended all election campaigning for today and public-facing campaigning of leafleting and loudspeakering over this weekend. We propose that the same should apply for the day of Prince Philip’s funeral, again as a mark of respect.”

Reform UK Scotland and All for Unity confirmed they too would stop campaign work.