Sincere condolences on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

On behalf of the Church in Wales, the Archbishop of Wales has expressed sadness on hearing of the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and has extended deepest condolences and the assurance of prayers to Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Paying tribute to Prince Philip, the Archbishop, John Davies, said he had been a rock in the life of the Queen and had lived a life rooted in service and duty both to her and to others.

Archbishop John praised the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme set up for young people, and he also acknowledged the Duke’s keen interest in matters of theology.

Reflecting upon what some have described as the Duke’s “glorious gaffes” the Archbishop believed that these revealed “an affectionately kind outlook and a sharp sense of humour”.

Archbishop John said, “These are but a few examples from a long life, packed with variety and rooted in the service of others, the nation, the Commonwealth and beyond. For his gifts and talents, for the benefits that his life brought to the lives of others, for his sense of duty and calling, and for his many evident and admirable qualities and attributes, we should give thanks and pray that he might be at peace, free from human frailty, and in new life with Christ.”

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His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered, and prayers offered for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, in the usual Cathedral services through the coming days. The Cathedral remains open from 10am to 3pm daily for private prayers and reflections, but - in line with coronavirus requirements - is not allowed to be open for general, tourist, visiting.

Because of the pandemic, the Cathedral is not having a book of condolence, and suggest that if you wish to send a message, you do so at www.royal.uk.

The Duke of Edinburgh made a number of visits to St Davids Cathedral. In 1955, he came with the Queen as part of the Royal Tour of Wales following her coronation. Other visits included 1982, when the Queen distributed the Royal Maundy, and in 1995, when the Queen presented letters patent conferring city status on St Davids.

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Dean Sarah had said ‘We are saddened by the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, and hold the Queen, and the Royal Family in our prayers. Even when a death is not unexpected, and comes after a long life well lived, it remains hard to lose a loved one – and especially when mourning is so much in the public eye.

‘I was privileged to see the Duke of Edinburgh at close hand during the 1993 State Visit to Hungary, when I was posted to the British Embassy in Budapest as a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service. It was impressive to note how comprehensively he supported the Queen, in numerous barely perceptible ways ensuring that she, as monarch, was always shown to best advantage. Alongside witnessing his ready wit and lively interest in everyone he met, I was also able to see the remarkable rapport between him and the Queen, both professional and personal. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.’       

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  Dduw ein bywydau, rhoddwn ddiolch am fywyd y Tywysog Philip;

  diolchwn am ei gariad at ein gwlad ac am ei ymlyniad wrth ddyletswydd.

  Ymddiriedwn ef yn awr i’th gariad a’th drugaredd di,

  trwy ein Gwaredwr Iesu Grist.  Amen.

 

  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.

 

  Drugarog Arglwydd, bydd yn agos at bawb sy’n galaru,

  yn enwedig y Frenhines a phob aelod o’r Teulu Brenhinol.

  Boed iddynt ymdeimlo â chysur dy gariad,

  trwy Iesu Grist ein Harglwydd.  Amen.

 

  Merciful God, be close to all who mourn,

  especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.

  May they know the comfort of your love,

  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

  Dduw tragwyddol, diolchwn am fywyd y Tywysog Philip,

  seilydd Gwobr Dug Caeredin.

  Cofiwn am ei weledigaeth a’i ddychymyg,

  ei ddiddordeb mewn pobl ieuainc a’i gefnogaeth ohonynt.

  Ysbrydola ni â’r un ymrwymiad

  i wasanaethu cyfaill, cymydog a dieithryn yn ddi-wahân,

  trwy Iesu Grist ein Harglwydd. Amen.

 

  Eternal God, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,

  founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

  We remember his vision and imagination,

  his interest in young people and his support for them.

  Inspire us with the same commitment

  to serve friend, neighbour, and stranger alike,

  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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HM Queen and HRH Duke of Edinburgh at St Davids Cathedral - 1955

  
Here the Duke of Edinburgh is pictured in 1955, with Her Majesty the Queen, Bishop William Havard (on the right - a former military chaplain mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross in WWI) and Dean Carlyle Witton-Davies.