It was with sadness that we heard of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip was last at Southwark Cathedral in 2015 when he attended a celebration of William Shakespeare.  As always it was a joy and a privilege to welcome him on that occasion.

Our prayers are for him and for Her Majesty The Queen and the members of the Royal Family.  It is hard to overestimate the contribution that he has made to our life as a nation and to the life of the Commonwealth.  Prince Philip brought his enthusiasm, energy and lively and enquiring mind to all that he did. He will be remembered for his work with young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, his part in the founding and patronage of the World Wildlife Fund, his passion for the environment and in many other ways.  Above all, however, it has been his unfailing support of Her Majesty, always there through the joys and challenges of the last sixty-eight years of her reign, which has made the biggest impression and greatest contribution.

In this Easter season we commend him to God’s love.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark

A Prayer for the Duke of Edinburgh

‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ (Matthew 25.21)

God of majesty,

give rest to your servant Philip

who, having served his Queen and Country,

has passed from this life,

full of years yet strong in spirit.

As we give thanks for his life,

as Prince and husband,

as Consort to The Queen,

we pray that all that he has done

may continue to bear fruit

in the lives of individuals

and the life of this nation and the Commonwealth,

to your honour and glory,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.