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HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021

It is with immense sadness that Telscombe Town Council learnt of Buckingham Palace’s announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh has been a constant support and companion to HM The Queen since their marriage in 1947.   In 2017 The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh became the first couple in the Royal Family to celebrate their Platinum Wedding anniversary.  The Duke of Edinburgh was devoted consort (companion to the Sovereign) for over 60 years, from Her Majesty’s Accession in 1952 until his death.   In 2009 he became the longest serving British consort, a distinction previously held by Queen Charlotte, George III’s consort.

The Duke of Edinburgh was an advocate for scientific and industrial progress, technological modernisation and the conservation of wildlife and the institutions that advanced these causes.  He became Chancellor of four universities (Wales, Edinburgh, Salford and Cambridge) and in 1956 he instituted The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to encourage the concept of service and the physical development of young people.

Floral tributes:   The Town Council understand that people may wish to lay flowers and other mementos to honour The Duke of Edinburgh as an expression of their condolences.   However, the Royal Family have the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind during these challenging times and therefore ask that anyone wishing to express their condolences does so in the safest way possible, and that the public not gather at Royal Residences.

In accordance with public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government coronavirus guidelines, particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel, to keep themselves and others safe.

Members of the public may wish to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice, or one of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Patronages in memory of His Royal Highness, instead of leaving floral tributes.

Donations:   There is no official arrangement for giving donations in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.  However, members of the public who wish to make a donation as a tribute to His Royal Highness are encouraged to give to a charity of their choosing or one of the charities or organisations which The Duke of Edinburgh supported in his public duties.

Over the course of his life, The Duke of Edinburgh was patron or president of some 992 organisations, with special interests in scientific and technological research and development, industry, the welfare of young people, conservation and the environment and the encouragement of sport.

Union Flag:   The Union Flag has been lowered to half mast at the Telscombe Civic Centre.

Book of Condolence:   Due to current restrictions there will not be a book of condolence at the Town Council offices. Details of an online Book of Condolence are at www.royal.uk and we hope everyone will seek this out and record a message.

Funeral:   The Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral will take place on Saturday 17 April 2021 at 3pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The Funeral Service will begin with a National Minute’s Silence at three o’clock. The service will be preceded by a ceremonial procession inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The plans for the funeral are in line with The Duke of Edinburgh’s own personal wishes, and the occasion will recognise and celebrate The Duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to The Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.

It will be a Ceremonial Royal Funeral, the same as for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, rather than a State Funeral – something which is generally reserved for Monarchs. The plans have been approved by The Queen and reflect appropriate Government advice.

Local Church:  St Laurence Church in Telscombe Village will be open between 2 to 4.30pm on Saturday 17th April 2021.

Further information is available at www.royal.uk

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