PRINCE Philip’s death nearly a year ago was marked by a pared-down funeral service with only 30 family members and close friends in attendance.
Now the royal family and 1,800 guests will gather to pay tribute – on a grander scale – to the life and legacy of the man who stood by Her Majesty for more than 70 years.
Prince Philip memorial order of service
The late Duke of Edinburgh‘s family and guests will gather at Westminster Abbey on March 29, 2020, for a memorial service honouring him.
His funeral service in April 2021 was scaled down in the shadow of Covid-19 restrictions.
Her Majesty the Queen had to sit alone at her husband’s funeral due to concerns over the virus.
This year, the Queen is expected to attend once again, but Covid restrictions will be dramatically lessened.
Today’s Service of Thanksgiving will include the politicians and European royals who could not attend last year.
It is expected to have a heavy military influence, similar to his funeral.
- Before the service, Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist; the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth; and a Sub-Organist will play a selection of musical pieces as dignitaries and members of the Duke’s family are led to their seats.
- The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, opens the service with a Bidding.
- Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award holder from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, will deliver a Tribute.
- The Right Honourable the Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will deliver a reading from the Book of Isaiah.
- The choir will briefly sing before the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, delivers a second reading from the Book of Philippians.
- All present will stand to sing an arrangement of “Alleluia.”
- The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor, will give an Address, followed by singing by the choir.
- The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, will introduce prayers.
- The prayers will be said by religious leaders from Sandringham, Windsor Great Park and other parishes attended by the royals.
- Finally, the Most Reverend and the Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, will deliver the final Blessing.
- All will sing “God Save the Queen” and Her Majesty and members of the Royal Family will leave the church.
- After the service, the band will play “The Seafarers” as arranged by Michael McDermott.
Who is attending the Prince Philip memorial service?
At last year’s funeral, only 30 family members and close friends of the Duke of Edinburgh were able to attend.
They are all expected to attend today’s service – with the exception of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who is not entering the country due to security concerns.
This Service of Thanksgiving will give 1,800 more mourners the opportunity to bid the late Prince Philip farewell.
Included among the guests are European royals and patrons of the Duke’s favourite charities, including Sir David Attenborough.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Carrie Johnson will also attend, after skipping last year’s service to make room for members of the Royal Family.
A few of the guests in attendance will be:
Read More on HOAR
- Prince Albert of Monaco
- Queen Margrethe of Denmark
- King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
- Princess Beatrix, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
- King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
- King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
- Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, and Prince Radu
Some of the late Duke’s great-grandchildren might also attend – including Prince George, 8 – but this has not been confirmed.
