Church of England cathedrals will commemorate the life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in services today (Sunday), Salisbury Cathedral has announced it has entered a period of mourning, Birmingham Cathedral will livestream a Choral Evensong and Exeter and Blackburn Cathedrals have both announced plans for dedicated memorial services.
Remembering the life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in prayer and thanksgiving
Sign and record a message a message here > online condolence book.
Bells were tolled 99 times on Friday at Westminster Abbey and York Minster marking the years of the late Duke’s life.
There have been Requiem Masses, prayers and thanks for his life offered at every one of our cathedrals and more will be shared again today during Sunday services, and during the week, many of which will be available online.
Salisbury Cathedral has entered a period of mourning. It will be open for private prayer and reflection – including online Evening Prayer today – when candles may be lit by those wishing to pay their respects. Please check Salisbury Cathedral website for information on opening times.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
“I, and the whole community of Salisbury Cathedral, share the profound sense of national grief at the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. As we reflect upon his life of service to the nation and its Church, and as we give thanks for that life, we join our voices with millions of others as we pray for the Queen, for the Royal Family, and for all those who feel the death of Prince Philip most closely and keenly. Spanning nearly a century his life has been steadfast in the service of his Queen and his country.”
Prince Philip last visited Salisbury Cathedral in 2012 supporting the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee Tour when she unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Blackburn Cathedral plans to hold a memorial service and Exeter too, which will be livestreamed on Exeter Cathedral’s Facebook page.
Exeter has extended its open hours for private prayer and reflection and there is a dedicated space in the Cathedral for reflection and prayers for the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty, The Queen and the Royal Family.
The Dean of Exeter, The Very Revd Jonathan Greener said:
“Here at Exeter Cathedral, we remember and honour Prince Philip with a profound sense of gratitude for a long life of unwavering dedication and public duty. He has touched the lives of so many, as the longest-serving British consort, as a Second World War Navy veteran, as founder of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and as supporter of over 750 organisations.”
There will be a special Choral Evensong to celebrate Prince Philip’s life live streamed from Birmingham Cathedral this afternoon (Sunday) and the Dean, the Very Revd Matt Thompson has shared a dedicated prayer.
More services will be available this week at our cathedrals following the announcement that the funeral of Prince Philip will take place in St George’s Chapel, Windsor next Saturday.
Please check your local cathedral website for up to date information about opening times.
The Church of England has opened an online condolence book for anyone who wishes to sign and record a message.
