Buckinghamshire holds remembrance service for Prince Philip

An online service of remembrance for HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is taking place in Buckinghamshire tomorrow (Friday, April 16) at 10am.

It has been organised by the Lord Lieutenancy and is being held in the Oculus at The Gateway in Aylesbury.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the number of attendees is restricted, so to ensure as many people as possible can see the service, it is being filmed and webcast.

The service will be led by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Bucks, Countess Elizabeth Howe, and Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham.

Pre-recorded hymns sung by a local choir will be included in the service. The complete service can be viewed on Buckinghamshire Council’s website hereCountess Howe said: “His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has been the most staunch and loyal consort of Her Majesty the Queen for over 70 years, giving her his unstinting support and encouragement in the service of the Crown.

"In his own words he stated that ‘it was his duty to serve the Queen in the best way that he could’ and this he has done with commitment, energy, wisdom, and good humour.

"His involvement in over 780 organisations is testament to his work and interest in many different facets of life, from his role as a founder of the World Wide Fund for Nature to his support for the armed services, charities and businesses, as well as his deep concern for the healthy development of young people though the award scheme which carries his name.

"His Royal Highness leaves a lasting legacy from a lifetime of service to the nation and will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. The nation mourns his loss, and the thoughts and prayers of us all in Buckinghamshire are with Her Majesty and the members of her family.”

Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, said: “The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh is a historic milestone for us all. Warm tributes from every part of national life bear witness to his hard work supporting our Queen as well as his broad and positive thinking, originality, and inspiration.

"I am so glad we in Buckinghamshire have been able to find a way to pay our own tribute for his remarkable life of service under carefully regulated Covid-safe conditions. The number physically present is strictly limited to 15 community and civic leaders, including representatives of Christian and Muslim communities.

"Live-streamed worship has become a part of many people’s lives in the past year, and the service will probably be attended by more people than would otherwise have been possible.

"I am grateful to the council and Lieutenancy staff for their hard work to make this possible.”

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