Church services have taken place across the UK to commemorate the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. At Canterbury Cathedral, the spiritual home of the worldwide Anglican community, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led the service.
Welby praised the Duke’s “remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life,” referring to his role as the royal consort to Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Philip’s 69-year tenure made him the longest-serving consort in British history.
The Duke “died peacefully” at the age of 99 on Friday morning, according to Buckingham Palace.
Meanwhile, preparations are under way for the funeral, which will take place at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday. A national period of mourning will continue in the UK until April 17, after the funeral is concluded.
Welby, who is expected to officiate at the ceremony next weekend, asked people to keep the Queen and her family in their prayers: “For the royal family, as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement. We all know that it is not simply a factor of age or familiarity; it is not obliterated by the reality of a very long life, remarkably led, nor is the predictability of death’s arrival a softening of the blow. Loss is loss.”
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Church services honor Prince Philip as funeral preparations under way
cgtn.com
