People of a South Pacific tribe, who worship Britain’s Prince Philip like a god, were devastated after they finally got to know about his death. Philip, 99, died on Friday at his home in Windsor Castle, United Kingdom following a successful heart procedure in early March.

The Kastom people of Yaohnanen village– part of tropical rainforest on the southern island of Tanna– came to know about Philip’s death after the news was broken by an employee from the Vanuatu Cultural Center on Saturday, reported Page Six.

Also read: Prince Harry to attend royal funeral of Prince Philip without wife Meghan Markle

The remote tribe was sad to hear of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, said Jean-Pascal Wahé of Vanuatu Cultural Center. “He was a very important man to us all and it’s a great loss,” the worker, who travelled for four hours to the isolated area, added. 

Why do people of Tanna worship Prince Philip?

The tribe believe that at some point in history, the spirit of a nearby sacred mountain inhibited the body of a white man. He then went on to marry a powerful woman abroad and he’d eventually return to the island. According to the people, their deity watches over their crops and well-being. 

They started the Prince Philip Movement in the 1960s and their idol did visit them in 1974.

Also read: Gun salutes fired across UK to honour Prince Philip

What will they do now?

The tribe is currently preparing for a day of mourning to memorise the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II. The event will involve spiritual food, a narcotic drink known as Kava, traditional dance and more.

As Prince Philip is dead, followers are expected to transfer their attention to his oldest son, Prince Charles, who is first in line to the throne.