He was one of seven Scotch Oakburn College students who received their golden Duke of Edinburgh's Award off Prince Philip himself in 1967.

Upon hearing the news of his death, the 71-year-old said he was sad but 99 was a great innings and his legacy would live on.

"We went to Melbourne, because the Duke ... couldn't believe seven students from this one little college in Tasmania had received it," Mr Stone said.

"He stopped and he talked to everybody, 'how are you going', 'what did you enjoy most about about the project'.

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"He said use this as a platform because he said the main thing is you've got to become a real person, you get into the real world and you have to become a real person and I thought that was fantastic advice for a young boy.

"I had this silver tie on, which my mother bought for me from Myer, and I finished up on the front page of the [Herald] Sun."

He said each stage - the bronze, silver and gold - took about two years to complete as there were sporting, academic and public service requirements.

"You've actually got to apply yourself, and that's one of the big things the Duke was all about," he said.

"Once you have the application, things tend to fall into line, but you've got to persevere, and it's all about persevering, that's life."

Mr Stone was one of many people across Tasmania to send their condolences to Queen Elizabeth II after news of the Duke's death on Friday.

Flags on City of Launceston council buildings were flown at half-mast and Premier Peter Gutwein sent his condolences on behalf of all Tasmanians to Buckingham Palace.

Prince Philip first visited Launceston in 1954, before returning five times more.

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