I know I reflect the deeply held feelings of constituents when I say what a tremendous loss we as a nation are experiencing with the passing of HRH, The Prince Philip, last Friday. The Duke of Edinburgh’s service to his country and to Her Majesty was truly remarkable, and on behalf of all communities in Mid Sussex, I would like to thank Prince Philip for a life led by an impeccable devotion to public service. One key example of this has been the phenomenal success of the Duke Of Edinburgh award over the last 65 years, which has profoundly transformed many young peoples’ lives, across Mid Sussex and the country, through the acquisition of new skills, confidence, as well as a recognition of the value of public service.
In addition to my thoughts, I would like to highlight the heartfelt sympathies local leaders across Mid Sussex have conveyed:
Haywards Heath Town, Mayor Cllr Alastair McPherson said: “Following a request from the Royal Family, we are now directing our community to send their condolences to HM The Queen and the Royal family via their online Book of Condolence at www.royal.uk. They have also requested that we do not lay flowers in sorrow but instead make a charitable donation in his honour. RIP Prince Philip”.
Burgess Hill Mayor, Roger Cartwright issued a press release, where he said: “I am sure I speak for the whole of Burgess Hill when I say how sad we were to hear today of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects to Prince Philip by placing flowers at the War Memorial Garden in Church Walk. Owing to the current Covid public health situation residents are invited to sign an online e-Book of Condolence which should shortly be available at www.royal.uk.
East Grinstead Mayor, Cllr John Dabell said: “The East Grinstead Town Councillors and Staff are deeply saddened to hear the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. I will be writing to the Palace to express our condolences in the coming days. As a mark of respect the Union and Town Flags will be flown at half-mast from today, and through to the day of the funeral. An online official book of condolence from the Town will be set up from today on the Councils website www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk. There is also a hard copy book for the public to sign with messages of condolence however due to the current pandemic, anyone that wishes to make a physical entry should contact the Mayor's secretary on 01342 323636 or email k.hamper@eastgrinstead.gov.uk for an future appointment.
The message from Mid Sussex District Council on Twitter was as follows: “The whole Council wishes to send its deepest and most sincere condolences to HM The Queen and the whole Royal Family at this time of national Mourning. Our flag is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect”.
In addition to the words said by our Town Mayors, I would like to reiterate the importance of adhering to COVID restrictions as we pay our respects to HRH Prince Philip. Books of Condolence will not be available for the public to sign, however as noted, there is an opportunity to virtually give messages of condolences via the links above.
Funeral arrangements:
At the express request of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, and in line with current COVID restrictions, there will be no official ceremonial events during this period. The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place on Saturday 17th April at 3pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The funeral service will be attended by Her Majesty, The Queen, and Members of the Royal Family. Further details of the funeral as they are announced can be followed here: https://www.royal.uk/funeral-duke-edinburgh-0.