HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

10th April 2021

We are sorry to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said:                                                                                                   “I join with the rest of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and give thanks to God for his extraordinary life of dedicated service. Prince Philip continually demonstrated his unfailing support and unstinting loyalty to Her Majesty The Queen for 73 years…                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “I pray that God will comfort Her Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family at this time. May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Bishop Guli (Bishop of Chelmsford elect) said:                                                                                                                                  “I am very sorry to learn about the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We pray for Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, the Commonwealth and the Nation and we give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s extraordinary life of duty and dedication.”

 Bishop Peter (Acting Bishop of Chelmsford) said:                                                                                                                    “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Diocese of Chelmsford are with Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, our nation and commonwealth.                                                                                                                                                At this time of great sadness, we remember with gratitude The Duke of Edinburgh’s extraordinary contribution as consort to Her Majesty the Queen. He has devoted his adult life to our service and the loving support of Her Majesty, for which we are thankful.”

Prayers you may wish to use:                                                                                                                                            Eternal God, our heavenly Father, we bless your holy name for all that you have given us in and through the life of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.                                                                                                                                                               We give you thanks:  for his long and full life;  for his strength of character;  and for his devotion and service to family, nation and Commonwealth.                                                                                                                                                 We praise you for:  his generosity;  the many contributions he made to our national life;  and the encouragement he gave to so many,  especially to the young.                                                                                                                                        Accept our thanks and praise, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Merciful God, be close to all who mourn, especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.                             May they know the hope of your promises and the comfort of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal God, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.                                 We remember his vision and imagination, his interest in young people and his support for them.                                   Inspire us with the same commitment to serve friend, neighbour, and stranger alike,                                                       through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

An online book of condolence is available on the Church of England web-site.