It was with a deep sense of sadness that we learnt of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 9 April. There will, no doubt, be an outpouring of grief and sorrow at his death. That outpouring will be for our sadness at his death and for the sorrow that his wife, our Queen, is bearing. Possibly it will also come to stand for all the deaths of this last year and for all that we have lost during this pandemic. 

Whatever the greater symbolism that his death may carry, at the heart of this death – like at the heart of all deaths – are those who loved and were loved by the person who has died. So, yes, let us acknowledge that this might be a moment of national grief for our nation has much to mourn at the moment. 

But let us also recognise the personal grief of his family and, in particular, of Her Majesty The Queen after 73 years of marriage. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we pray also that God will surround and sustain them in their grief. 

In Commemoration of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh   Remembering Prince Philip

There are two services at St Mary Redcliffe tomorrow (Sunday 11 April) at which His late Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered.

10.00 am Live Stream service of Holy Communion

** order of service can be downloaded here

** everyone is welcome to join us on SMR Live

12.00 noon Public Worship service of Holy Communion

** order of service can be downloaded here

** tickets for the service are 'sold out' but there will be a few seats available at the door on a first-come-first-served basis

Book of Condolence

You can add your message to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at the national online book of condolence here

Let us pray

God of our lives, 

We give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, 

For his love of our country, 

and for his devotion to duty. 

We entrust him now to your love and mercy, 

through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. 

Amen. 

Dan Tyndall

Vicar, St Mary Redcliffe