News of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was received with great sadness at Peterborough Cathedral today, where the flag is now flying at half mast.
His Royal Highness will be remembered in prayers and as a special mark of respect, at 6.00pm, a single bell will toll 99 times, once for each year of the Duke of Edinburgh's life.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said:
“The Duke of Edinburgh served the nation with enormous distinction since his marriage to the, then, Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Patron to over 780 organisations and Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, his sense of duty and commitment to the common good have, throughout his long life, been a remarkable counterpoint to the Queen’s own devoted service to the nation. The Prince had something of a reputation for being outspoken and his career was not without moments of controversy, but today we celebrate the life and mourn the passing of a man whose dedication, faithfulness and strength of character have for over 70 years been a pillar, not only of the Royal Family, but of our country and the Commonwealth. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Peterborough Cathedral is open for private prayer only at present due to lockdown restrictions, but anyone who wishes to call in for a moment of reflection or to light a candle is welcome to do so. Normal opening times are 12.00 noon until 2.00pm, but these have been extended today until 6.00pm. Over this weekend (Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April) opening for prayer will be from 12.00 noon until 4.00pm.
People who attend for private prayer are respectfully asked not to bring floral or other tributes to the Cathedral, to avoid the risk of spreading the Covid infection.
An online Book of Condolence is available via the Peterborough City Council website here: Cambridgeshire Book of Condolence, and the Church of England website here: Church of England Book of Condolence. You can also light a candle on the Church of England website here: Light a Candle.
On Sunday 11th April at 3.30pm, the Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered with a special online service (via Facebook and YouTube) of readings and prayers, led by the Dean and using recordings of the Cathedral Choir and organ. There will also be prayers at the 10.30am Sunday Eucharist service, which is both open for public attendance and will be live streamed via the links here: Live Stream services.
Follow this link for a special prayer for the Duke of Edinburgh.
Photo of the Duke of Edinburgh courtesy of the Press Association