Service on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral
17 Apr 2021
Choral Evensong on the Eve of the Funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh took place at Norwich Cathedral at 6pm on Friday 16 April. The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, presided over the service, which was sung by the Boys, Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars of the Norwich Cathedral Choir.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, preached and the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt MBE, and young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award were also among those to take part in the service.
The service was live-streamed and is available to watch on the Norwich Cathedral Services YouTube channel.
During the service, The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, said: “As we offer this service of Evensong let us hold before God our departed brother, His Royal Highness, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We give thanks to God for his long life and loyal service to this Nation and the Commonwealth and for his love and devotion to Her Majesty the Queen; and in word and song and silence we pray for the repose of his soul.”
The Bishop of Norwich, Rt Revd Graham Usher, spoke about Prince Philip’s curiosity, especially in seeking to mend the world through the care of the environment and inspiring young people.
On Saturday 17 April, the Cathedral joined the nation in observing a one minute’s silence at 3pm, which finished with the Cathedral’s tolling bell.
The previous week, on Saturday 10 April, a requiem remembering especially The Duke of Edinburgh was held at the Cathedral at 8am and from noon that day the Cathedral bell was tolled 99 times, at the same time as gun salutes took place across the UK, Gibraltar and at sea in honour of His Royal Highness.
Norwich Cathedral continues to be open daily for individual reflection and prayer. All are welcome to light candles in tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh and there are dedicated places to do so in the Cathedral’s Nave and the North and South Transepts.
People who would like to write a message of condolence are encouraged to do so via the online books of condolence on The Church of England’s website www.churchofengland.org and The Royal Family’s website www.royal.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied Her Majesty The Queen on visits to Norwich Cathedral in 1996 for the Royal Maundy Service during the Cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations and in 2010 for the opening of the Hostry.
Statues of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were also installed in the Cathedral’s Cloister in 2018 to mark the 65th anniversary of Her Majesty’s coronation.
Pictures: Press Association and Bill Smith
On Saturday 17 April, the Cathedral joined the nation in observing a one minute’s silence at 3pm, which finished with the Cathedral’s tolling bell.
The previous week, on Saturday 10 April, a requiem remembering especially The Duke of Edinburgh was held at the Cathedral at 8am and from noon that day the Cathedral bell was tolled 99 times, at the same time as gun salutes took place across the UK, Gibraltar and at sea in honour of His Royal Highness.
Norwich Cathedral continues to be open daily for individual reflection and prayer. All are welcome to light candles in tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh and there are dedicated places to do so in the Cathedral’s Nave and the North and South Transepts.
People who would like to write a message of condolence are encouraged to do so via the online books of condolence on The Church of England’s website www.churchofengland.org and The Royal Family’s website www.royal.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied Her Majesty The Queen on visits to Norwich Cathedral in 1996 for the Royal Maundy Service during the Cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations and in 2010 for the opening of the Hostry.
Statues of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were also installed in the Cathedral’s Cloister in 2018 to mark the 65th anniversary of Her Majesty’s coronation.
Pictures: Press Association and Bill Smith