Prince Philip: Tributes paid to Duke of Edinburgh in Chichester and Arun

Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s life of duty and service to the Monarch and the United Kingdom has inspired the admiration of the nation. His determination that the Royal Family be a central part of life in modern Britain and, above all, his obvious love and support of HM The Queen for over 70 years have served our country well. My thoughts, like many millions around the world, are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family.”

Chichester District Council said: “The councillors and officers of Chichester District Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time. As a mark of respect, the union flag will be flown at half-mast at our East Pallant House offices in Chichester. We are preparing an online book of condolence for residents who wish to pay their respects.”

The online book of condolence can be found here.

Cllr Amanda Worne, chairman of Arun District Council, said: “It is with immense sadness that Arun District Council learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of the elected members and officers of the Council, and residents of the Arun district, I, Cllr Amanda Worne, chairman of Arun District Council offer sincerest condolences to her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

Town and city councils pay respects

Bognor Regis Town Council said it ‘joins the nation in mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’.

A statement from Cllr Phil Woodall, the Town Mayor said: “It is with immense sadness that Bognor Regis Town Council learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“On behalf of the elected members and officers of the council, and residents of Bognor Regis, I, Cllr. Phil Woodall, Town Mayor of Bognor Regis offer sincerest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

A statement by Chichester City Council said: “On behalf of the citizens of Chichester, The Mayor and City Council express their deepest condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and her family on the passing of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.”

Midhurst Town Council said ‘councillors and officers of Midhurst Town Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’.

The chairman of Midhurst Town Council, Cllr Carol Lintott, said: “His Royal Highness, consort to our Queen, was a great ambassador for the nation both at home and abroad. Among the many memories of him, locally we will remember his visits to Midhurst to play polo and for founding the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, still very much enjoyed by, and inspiring, many young people in the Midhurst area. His Royal Highness will be greatly missed and I am sure many people in Midhurst will want to join the nation in paying their respects.” Today will see the start of a period of national mourning for nine days up to the end of the day of the funeral.”

Petworth Town Council paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh and said: “Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

“An online book of condolence for residents who wish to pay their respects, is available on Chichester District Council’s website.”

Selsey Town Council issued a statement which said: “As we learn of the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the thoughts of the residents of Selsey and Selsey Town Council are with the Royal Family at this time.

“A book of condolence is available at the Town Hall from Monday, April 12, 9.30am to 3.30pm, by appointment only. This will remain available until 1pm on the day of his funeral.”

This comes as Mrs Susan Pyper, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, paid tribute to His Royal Highness.

Cllr Janet Duncton, chairman of West Sussex County Council, also paid tribute as flags were lowered to half-mast across the county.

Tribute from Chichester Cathedral

The Dean of Chichester, the Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“His deep love for Her Majesty The Queen has contributed greatly to her long reign, as he supported her constantly in the many challenges which faced her. His sense of duty was beyond compare. Following his successful career as an Officer in the Royal Navy, he set about his royal duties with energy, flair and determination. He never lost his sense of curiosity which drove both a thirst for knowledge and an interest in the people he met.

“His establishment of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award in 1956 encouraged young people to explore and reach their potential, and his Presidency of the World Wildlife Fund showed an interest in conservation before it became popular.

“It is as the Queen’s Consort that he will be most remembered. As her constant companion, support and confidant. His contribution to the flourishing of the monarchy was invaluable.

“In his death the nation has lost a most loyal servant. May he rest in peace.”

Churches

A Book of Condolence is now available in St Margaret’s, Fernhurst, for those wishing to sign it in memory of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Another book will be available in St. Peter’s, Lynchmere, later today.

St Giles Church, Graffham, will be open until dusk today (April 9) and tomorrow (April 10) for any who wish to pay their respects and offer a prayer to those who grieve the loss of Prince Philip. Candles are available to light as a sign of our prayers. Night Prayer will be said at 7pm in St Giles Church this evening. Matins will be said at 9am and Requiem Parish Eucharist celebrated at 10.30am on Sunday. All are welcome to attend these services.

Theatres, colleges and hospitality venues pay respects

Chichester College posted on social media and said the organisation ‘is saddened to learn of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family,” the statement read.

A statement by Chichester Festival Theatre read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who first visited the Theatre on 31 July 1962 during its inaugural Festival season when he and Her Majesty The Queen attended a charity performance of Uncle Vanya directed by Sir Laurence Olivier.”

Butlin’s also paid tribute, with a statement which read: “We’re saddened to hear the news on the passing of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and The Royal Family.”

Police lower flags

Chichester Police said: “We join the nation in mourning following the announcement of the sad death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving British consort and a patron of many charitable organisations. His work in establishing the Duke of Edinburgh Award helped thousands of young people learn new life skills and make positive contributions to their communities.

“Union Jack flags will fly at half-mast at our buildings from today. May he rest in peace.”

Royal Family statement

The Royal Family issued a statement announcing the news on Twitter just after 12pm.

In the statement it said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”