Today, 17 April 2021, sees the funeral service of Prince Philip. By his own request, and all the more so because of ongoing Covid restrictions, it will be a simple and relatively low-key affair, but I know many will want, in some small way, to pay their own personal respects to a respected man who for so long has played a major part in this nation’s affairs, so here is a prayer of thanksgiving for the Duke’s long life.
Loving God,
as we recall today the end of a chapter,
the end of an epoch,
the end of a life,
we thank you.
As we recall devoted service to the Crown,
to the nation,
to the Commonwealth,
to the world,
we thank you.
As we recall a title carried with honour,
a position fulfilled with dignity,
a duty discharged with steadfastness,
a life lived with dynamism,
we thank you.
As we recall a dedicated husband,
a loving father,
a caring grandfather,
a proud great-grandfather,
we thank you.
As we recall a committed campaigner,
an informed writer,
a loyal patron,
a visionary trailblazer,
we thank you.
As we recall a man of integrity,
a man of wisdom,
a man of wit,
a man of courage,
we thank you.
For everything that Prince Philip has meant to this country,
to us,
to his friends and colleagues,
and above all to his family,
we thank you.
Amen.