Buckingham Palace has announced the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. This is a significant bereavement for our nation and will be felt deeply by many of us.
The Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, said: “Today, I have heard with sadness of the death of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Since he married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, he has had a unique place in our national life and affections, and has made a special contribution to the shared life of the Commonwealth. As the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch he has provided consistent strength and support for The Queen through times of national and international upheaval and change, as well as peace and celebration. He deserves our deep respect and thanks, and my thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the other members of the Royal Family.”
The Dean of Leicester, David Monteith, said: “We assure Her Majesty of our prayers and sympathy following the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. We have been privileged to welcome him to the Cathedral and noted his great concern in particular to meet veterans and those living with disability. He was great company over lunch, enjoying his trademark Pale Ale with rich wide ranging conversation, with that characteristic humour and slightly naughty twinkle in his eye. His life is marked by public service. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Due to the pandemic, local physical Books of Condolence will not be possible. There is an online Book of Condolence available on the national Church of England website here and you can also light a virtual candle here and further details of a special online service of remembrance and thanksgiving from Leicester Cathedral at 5pm on Thursday 15 April can be found here.
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Guidance and information about resources for churches can be downloaded here and liturgy and prayers can be found here.
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Additional guidance about bell ringing from the Central Council of Church Bellringers can be downloaded here.
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A QR code for the online Book of Condolence and the National Anthem is available to churches in the 'A Church Near You' website Resource Hub.
About The Duke of Edinburgh:
Following a successful naval career during which he saw active service in the Second World War, The Duke of Edinburgh began to focus on his work in support of The Queen following her Accession in 1952. In 2009 he became the longest serving British consort (companion to the Sovereign), a distinction previously held by Queen Charlotte, George III’s consort. His Royal Highness also has many interests which he pursues separately to his work with Her Majesty, including conservation, engineering, and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award which he founded in 1956.
In May 2017 it was announced that The Duke of Edinburgh had decided, with full support of The Queen, to no longer carry out public engagements.
The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he continues to be associated, although he no longer plays an active role by attending engagements.
The Duke of Edinburgh has special interests in scientific and technological research, the conservation of the environment and the encouragement of sport. His passion for industry has been seen in countless visits to research laboratories, coalmines, factories and engineering works, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of British industrial life. On an international scale, he has sponsored six conferences on the human problems of industrial communities within the Commonwealth, in his capacity as Patron of The Work Foundation.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards
First launched in 1956 in collaboration with German educationalist Kurt Hahn and Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful ascent of Everest, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has become the world's leading youth achievement award. The Award operates in more than 140 countries and in its 60 years of running has inspired millions of young people to serve their communities, experience adventure and develop and learn outside of the classroom. The four key elements of the Award are Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey, and is open to those between 14 and 24 years of age.
In 2016 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award celebrated its 60th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion the DofE encouraged people of all ages to set and achieve their goals through the DofE Diamond Challenge. The Duke and other members of the Royal Family also marked the milestone at a series of events, from a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace to visits around the UK to meet DofE participants and supporters.