Philip’s impact on Canada
OTTAWA — Canada’s commemorative ceremony in honour of the late Prince Philip offered a scaled back pandemic-era tribute to a man remembered for his public service, commitment to youth and enduring support of his wife the Queen.
The service at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, which included virtual tributes and performances, followed the Duke of Edinburgh’s official funeral inside St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who earlier on Saturday announced a $200,000 donation to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, called the late royal “a man of great service.”
“He devoted his life to duty and to the people of the Commonwealth,” he said during the virtual service.
“In the days following his passing, we’ve heard from countless people across Canada and around the world,” Trudeau said. “They’ve shared memories, stories and spoken about his impact on their lives and their communities.”
Prince Philip was “a man who believed in people and in particular, in young people,” he added. “He challenged them to do more to believe in themselves and to push for a better and brighter tomorrow.”
The Queen’s husband of more than 73 years died April 9 at the age of 99.
Former governor general David Johnston recalled the Duke of Edinburgh’s dedication to resolving the Queen’s problems, however small.
In 2010, before his installation as governor general, Johnston said he and his wife Sharon were invited to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The Queen invited Sharon to spend a few hours at the stables tending to the horses, but she had only packed dress shoes, he said.
“Prince Philip twigged to the predicament,” Johnston said. “Turning his chair back, he peered under the table, glanced at Sharon’s feet, turned to the queen and said, ‘I think she’s your size.’
“Her Majesty disappeared from the breakfast table, returning moments later with a pair of well-worn brogues, problem solved,” he said. “In this moment, the Queen’s consort had overcome one possible obstacle to the Queen’s plans.”
In accordance with pandemic-related restrictions, no guests were invited to attend the church service. Instead, Canadians were asked to watch the broadcast on television or online and not congregate outside.