News

Following the news of his death last week, Winchester Cathedral will be holding a special online Service of Commemoration to give thanks for the life of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. The Service will take place online on Friday 16th April at 5.30pm and will be broadcast live via the Cathedrals website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

The service will include choral music, prayers and tributes from the Dean and Chapter of Winchester, the Queen’s representative; the Lord-Lieutenant and a special reading from William Weaver, Duke of Edinburgh Award Silver Certificate of Achievement holder, aged 15. 

The wider College of Winchester Cathedral will be gathering in prayer, including the College of Canons to represent the Diocese in procession and to join with the nation and the Royal Family in prayer at this time of national mourning. To comply with Covid regulations, those in attendance will wear masks and observe social distancing throughout.

The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester said: “We join with millions of others to pray for Her Majesty the Queen, for the Royal Family, and for all those affected by the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. During this national period of mourning, we invite people from across the world to join us for an online Service of Commemoration, taking place at 5.30pm on the eve of the funeral, to remember and honour, and to give thanks for the life of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness’ death will be deeply felt by many, following his steady, dependable and faithful public presence and we now pray that Prince Philip will rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The UK is officially in a period of national mourning for the next week, up to and including His Royal Highness, Prince Philip’s funeral, taking place at 3pm on Saturday afternoon at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The Right Reverend Dr Tim Dakin, the Bishop of Winchester said: “As we mourn the loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, we can come together and give thanks to God for his extraordinary life. His Royal Highness will be remembered and celebrated for his dedication to public service and particularly for his loyalty to his Queen and his country. I pray that God will comfort Her Majesty and the Royal Family. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

During this period, Winchester Cathedral will extend its opening hours for private prayer and reflection and will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and 12pm – 5pm on Sunday. Candles may be lit by those wishing to pay their respects, and prayers for his Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh will be said at upcoming services. 

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no physical book of remembrance to sign in Winchester Cathedral itself, but people are warmly invited to sign a virtual book of condolence for His Royal Highness Prince Philip online instead.