Farewell To The Duke

But for many of the 500 mourners at the Duke of Norfolk's funeral on Friday, the abiding memory may well be a poignant reminder of the family man loved by his wife, children and grandchildren.

The short prayer of his eight-year-old grand-daughter Grace Fitzalan-Howard touched the heart just as much as the powerful words of the requiem mass, or the glorious choral music which filled Arundel Cathedral.

Grace, praying with four of the Duke's other grandchildren, thanked God for his love of nature, for snowdrops in the springtime and for the woods he nurtured so lovingly.

Around 150 of Duke Miles' family were joined by estate workers and representatives of many Arundel organisations, including mayor Bill Beere, town councillors and officials in robes, for the service.

It was led by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, who spoke of his long friendship with the Duke, including his years as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, before becoming leader of Britain's Catholics last year.

The Archbishop paid tribute to 86-year-old Duke Miles, as the leading lay member of the church, as a Catholic of the "deepest conviction and devotion" and a "true Christian gentleman".

He added: "Of him it can be certainly said, in the words of St Paul, he fought the good fight, not only in the service of his country, but also in the many challenges he faced in his long life."

The service, within the cathedral dedicated to one of the Duke's ancestors, St Philip Howard, began with the stirring strains of Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, led by the Westminster Cathedral Special Choir, high in the organ loft above the congregation.

Jerusalem, and I Vow to Thee My Country, were reminders of the Duke as a patriot, while the Westminster choir also sang choral works including the Sanctus from Faure's requiem mass and the Kyrie and Agnus Dei from Durufle's requiem mass.

The Duke's son, Lord Arundel fondly named Eddie in the order of service read from St Paul's letter to Timothy and the cathedral's former administrator, Canon Anthony Whale, returned to give the Gospel reading from St John.

Five heralds of the College of Arms, in richly decorated costume, added colour and pageantry to the occasion and one, Garter Principal King of Arms, read out the Duke's long list of titles, decorations and honours as the service drew to a close.

A trumpeter from the Grenadier Guards then sounded The Last Post, before monks from Ampleforth Abbey in Yorkshire, where the Duke was educated before going up to Oxford, sang in plainsong as his coffin was carried from the cathedral.

The bearers were also Grenadier Guards, their bright red tunics a visible tribute to the Duke's many years of distinguished military service with the Guards.

On top of the coffin, which was draped with the Duke's standard, were his medals, his Ducal coronet and Earl Marshall's baton.

The procession from the cathedral to Arundel Castle, where the Duke was laid to rest in the family vault at the Fitzalan Chapel, took place under grey skies on a damp, blustery afternoon.

For the full story, see the Gazette, July 11.