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UK tributes to Everest conqueror UK tributes to Everest conqueror
(about 1 hour later)
Gordon Brown has hailed the first man to climb Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, as a "truly great hero".Gordon Brown has hailed the first man to climb Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, as a "truly great hero".
The prime minister said the New Zealander, who has died aged 88, was a "towering figure" who had "captured the imagination of the world". His feat was revealed on the eve of the Queen's 1953 coronation and Buckingham Palace said she was "very saddened" to hear of the 88-year-old's death.
British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes said he had inspired "generations".British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes said he had inspired "generations".
Sir Edmund, who made the first ascent of the world's highest mountain with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, on 29 May 1953, died in Auckland, New Zealand.Sir Edmund, who made the first ascent of the world's highest mountain with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, on 29 May 1953, died in Auckland, New Zealand.
The prime minister said in a statement: "He was a truly great hero who captured the imagination of the world, a towering figure who will always be remembered as a pioneer explorer and leader."
'Motivational''Motivational'
Gordon Brown said in a statement: "He was a truly great hero who captured the imagination of the world, a towering figure who will always be remembered as a pioneer explorer and leader." The Queen was "very saddened" to learn of New Zealander Sir Edmund's death and was sending a personal message of sympathy to his widow and family, Buckingham Palace said.
Sir Edmund was knighted for his achievement in 1953, and 42 years later was awarded her highest award for chivalry - the Order of the Garter.
The Queen met him most recently at the Garter Ceremony in Windsor in 2004.
Sir Ranulph told BBC News 24: "He's just a great, great guy. Lots of people from my generation remember him as highly motivational, not just as a mountaineer but also in the polar field and going down great rivers.Sir Ranulph told BBC News 24: "He's just a great, great guy. Lots of people from my generation remember him as highly motivational, not just as a mountaineer but also in the polar field and going down great rivers.
"Every field of exploration Ed Hillary was into and, as far as I was concerned, was the top explorer generally - not just mountaineer - over a great period of time, and highly motivational to other generations after him.""Every field of exploration Ed Hillary was into and, as far as I was concerned, was the top explorer generally - not just mountaineer - over a great period of time, and highly motivational to other generations after him."
Sir Edmund was knighted by the Queen for his achievement in 1953, and 42 years later was awarded her highest award for chivalry - the Order of the Garter.