The Crown stars Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies honour the Duke of Edinburgh

Stars of The Crown are paying tribute to the late Prince Phillip after Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal died at the age of 99 on April 9.

The first to offer their condolences were the actors who portrayed the Duke of Edinburgh on the hit Netflix royal drama.

Matt Smith, 38, who played Philip in the first two seasons of The Crown, shared what he'd learnt from the royal in preparation for the role.

"I'd like to offer my condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family," Smith said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "Prince Philip was the man. And he knew it. 99 and out, but what an innings. And what style. Thank you for your service old chap — it won't be the same without you."

READ MORE: Celebrities react to the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh

Tobias Menzies took on the role for series three and four, starring opposite Olivia Coleman. He let Shakespeare do the talking.

"If I know anything about the Duke of Edinburgh I'm fairly sure he wouldn't want an actor who has portrayed him on television giving their opinion on his life, so I'll leave it to Shakespeare," Menzies wrote in a statement to Newsweek. "O good old man! How well in thee appears the constant service of the antique world. Rest in Peace."

READ MORE: Actors who have played Prince Philip on screen

Oscar nominee Jonathan Pryce is slated to take on the role for the final two seasons of the show.

"Netflix, Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television and the production team on The Crown are deeply saddened to hear of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh," Peter Morgan, The Crown creator, wrote in a joint statement.

"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time."