Tributes to The Duke of Edinburgh

As the nation mourns the death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Norwich Cathedral and many churches across the Diocese of Norwich are open for all who wish to offer prayers and reflect on the great contribution Prince Philip made to our country.

Preparations are under way for a Choral Evensong in commemoration of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to be live-streamed from Norwich Cathedral at 6pm on Friday 16 April.

Reacting on behalf of the Diocese of Norwich, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher said: “There is sadness at the news of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. We offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all the Royal Family.

“The Duke of Edinburgh has been a tireless source of support and strength to The Queen through the 73 years of their marriage and the 69 years of her reign. He has also been an inspiration to very many people in this country and across the Commonwealth through his own charities and organisations.

“Over seven decades, millions of young lives have been helped and shaped through the establishment of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. I benefited from the scheme as a young person and being a Gold Award holder set me up with many important skills for life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh had a great love of Sandringham and Norfolk and his commitment to the area meant that he was held in high esteem and affection by the people of this diocese. We join with all those who will give thanks to God for such a full and distinguished life of service.”

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, said: “On this sad day for Her Majesty The Queen we at Norwich Cathedral join the rest of the people of this diocese in expressing our condolences as she mourns the death of her husband His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. We assure her and all the members of the Royal Family of our continuing prayers at this time.

“Through more than six decades The Duke of Edinburgh has served alongside Her Majesty The Queen, giving her unwavering support and offering outstanding service to the life of our nation and to the whole Commonwealth. He also holds a special place in the affections of the people of Norfolk, having spent most Christmases at Sandringham and supported so many events in the county over the years.

“As we honour the memory of His Royal Highness and give thanks for his life of service, Norwich Cathedral will be open for all to come to pay their respects, to lay flowers, light candles and attend worship."

The Cathedral is open daily for individual reflection and prayer. All are welcome to light candles and there are dedicated places to do so in the Nave and the North and South Transept. The Cathedral's opening hours are as follows: Sunday 1pm-2.30pm; Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; and Saturday 10am-3pm.

A Requiem for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was held at the Cathedral at 8am on Saturday and, from noon on Saturday, the Cathedral bell was tolled 99 times in tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh, at the same time as gun salutes took place across the UK, Gibraltar and at sea in honour of His Royal Highness.

Choral Evensong on the Eve of the Funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will be live streamed from Norwich Cathedral at 6pm on Friday 16 April.

All are welcome to watch online and the service will be live-streamed on the Norwich Cathedral Services YouTube channel.

Following the service, the Cathedral will be open until 9.30pm for people to light candles, offer prayers and reflect on the great contribution HRH The Duke of Edinburgh made to our country.

Picture: Press Association