This morning, 9th April 2021, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh died, aged 99.
He was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and the longest-serving royal consort in British history. He passed away at Windsor Castle this morning. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Duke is entitled to a full state funeral, but he had indicated a wish for minimal ‘fuss’. His wishes indicated a military funeral to be conducted at St. George’s Chapel, followed by a burial at Frogmore Gardens.
Condolences have been pouring in from across the world. The UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaking from the steps of 10 Downing Street, expressed his condolences and stated that Prince Philip “helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life”. Opposition leader Keir Starmer remarked that “the United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip” and highlighted his service in the Royal Navy as well as his “devotion” to the Queen.
Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “Ministers and officials across the Government of Jersey share the profound sadness felt by Islanders at the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness has been steadfast and selfless in his support of Her Majesty The Queen throughout her reign, and visited our Island on seven occasions, as well as acting as patron of several Jersey charities.
“Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme he has also helped to transform the lives of millions of young people over the past six decades. His service and commitment to charitable and community causes will be sorely missed.”
The Very Reverend Tim Barker, Dean of Guernsey said: “I express my sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. I offer my prayers for Her Majesty The Queen and the members of the Royal Family on the sad news we heard earlier this afternoon and in their bereavement.
“Prince Philip has given a remarkable life of service to the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and the Commonwealth. He has engaged, in his inimitable style, with young people, through the establishment of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, with technological initiatives, with the armed forces and with his many patronages. He was concerned for the global environment, long before many others realised the significance of climate change and the threats to the environment.
“Above all, Prince Philip devoted himself to the support of Her Majesty throughout her reign and their 73 years of marriage. This includes his support for Her Majesty in her role as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. I had the privilege of meeting Prince Philip on visits to Lincoln Cathedral, and observing his support for Her Majesty at the distribution of the Royal Maundy in Chester and Lincoln Cathedrals.
“Prince Philip had a lively mind. He demonstrated intellectual curiosity and challenge in his wide range of interests. He was committed to inter-faith dialogue and was instrumental in the foundation of St George’s House at Windsor Castle as a centre of study – which has had a great significance in the development of the leadership of Church of England and other institutions over the past fifty years.
“I mourn his death and offer my prayers of thanksgiving for his remarkable contribution to our common life and for his legacy. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
The Church leaders of Guernsey said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. We offer our prayers for Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family in their bereavement. Prince Philip was a man of faith, who devoted his life to public service in a most remarkable way and was an unfailing support to Her Majesty during their 73 years of marriage. The Easter message of life and hope encourages us to pray that His Royal Highness will rest in peace and rise in glory.”
A quarter peal is expected to be rung on the bells of Guernsey’s Town Church at 11:00 on Saturday 10th April in tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The bells will be half-muffled.
After the quarter peal, a bell will be tolled 99 times from 12 noon.
The Guernsey Bailiwick sent a message of condolence:
“We, the Lieutenant-Governor and the Bailiff of Guernsey, the Royal Court and the States of Guernsey, the President and the States of Alderney, the Siegneur and the Chief Pleas of Sark and all the people of this Bailiwick with humble duty beg leave to offer her Majesty the Queen and her family, our respective and sincerest sympathy on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. the Duke of Edinburgh, whose long life represented the epitome of loyalty, commitment, service and good humour, and stands as an inspiration to us all. His Royal Highness will be remembered with great affection across our islands, which he visited on six memorable occasions.”
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, said: “From distinguished wartime service through more than 70 years of unstinting support to the Monarchy, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip has been the embodiment of the highest levels of loyalty and commitment. His long life spanned an era of exponential change, which he embraced with great energy and foresight. His Royal Highness was tireless in his work to protect and enhance the reputation of both the Crown and the Royal Family throughout the world and for this, as a Crown Dependency, we are particularly indebted to him. There is an immense sense of loss at his passing.”
A 41-gun salute was held at Guernsey’s Castle Cornet, St Peter Port, from 12noon on Saturday in tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, following the deeply sad news of his death.
Led by Battery Commander Rob Grant, who formerly served with the Reconnaissance Platoon of the Royal Hampshire Infantry Regiment, the guns were fired at one-minute intervals. This will coincide with similar gun salutes held in London and other locations around the British Isles.
Main image shows The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Regiment, presenting the 3rd Battalion with their Regimental Colours in April 2013. Courtesy of Jamie McCaffrey.
