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"Respect and affection" were among the emotions at Government House as some of the island's leaders paid their respects following the death of Prince Philip.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday morning at Windsor Castle.
An official condolence message has been sent on behalf of the Bailiwick by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, and arrangements are being made to mark the passing of HRH.
"I was hugely saddened to hear the news," Sir Ian Corder said at a specially-arranged press call at Government House.
"He was an absolutely towering figure of the institution for Great Britain and the Commonwealth. One always has to be realistic with people who are approaching their 100th birthday, but it doesn’t really soften the sense of loss."
Pictured: Vice Admiral Corder met Prince Philip on several occasions during his time in the Royal Navy.
"I always found him incredibly well-informed. He knew and understood the ways of the world, was very engaging with people and he was always renowned for his sense of humour as well.
He also cited Prince Philip's key role in the evolution of the Monarchy.
"He was clearly a man who served the Royal Family through a period of incredible change, and he was accepting, understanding and anticipating that change," said Sir Ian.
"He was a guiding force behind the development of the monarchy in all the countries that the Queen is Head of State for. He had great experience of matters of high state and set an example for millions of people about how you should meet your duties. He was a great example of devotion to duty."
I was privileged to meet HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions. He always came across to me as the epitome of courage, dedication, sharp wit and gentlemanliness. Our thoughts and prayers especially for HM the Queen at this time.
— Jonathan Le Tocq ???????? (@letocq) April 9, 2021
HRH's first visit to Guernsey came in 1949 when the new Princess Elizabeth Hospital was opened. He returned with Her Majesty in 1957, before making further visits in 1978 and 1989 on H.M. Yacht Britannia. They came again in 2001 and for the last time in 2005 for the 60th anniversary of the Liberation.
Those celebrations were attended by the Bailiff Richard McMahon, who was an Advocate at the time.
"A good number of people in Bailiwick are strong and loyal supporters of the Royal Family," he said.
"I think [his legacy] is that unswerving support for the institution of the monarchy and possibly that mischievous sense of humour. It was a different pattern and gave that counter-balance to the symbolism of the Queen herself."
The States is asking all official flags, including the Union Flag, to be flown at half-mast until the day following the Funeral.
Pictured: Deputy Peter Ferbrache said the people of the Bailiwick have "great respect and affection for Prince Philip".
Policy & Resources Committee President Peter Ferbrache, said local people have "great respect and affection for Prince Philip" which went beyond acknowledging our connection as a dependency of the Crown.
"More than sixty years ago he created and established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (DofE), which has helped countless young people on their journey to adulthood," he said of prince Philip's legacy in Guernsey.
"Indeed many people in Guernsey have been inspired to help their community and have benefited from the confidence, skills and leadership qualities developed during their participation in the DofE.
"Through the DofE and his own example of dedicated public duty, Prince Philip leaves a lasting legacy of transforming lives and communities across the British Isles and worldwide.”
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