Philip’s ‘unwavering loyalty’ praised
THE Duke of Edinburgh’s “unwavering loyalty” to the Queen and “courage, fortitude and faith” will be hailed at his funeral this afternoon. No sermon will be delivered during the ceremonial royal service, in keeping with Philip’s wishes.
His love of the sea and long association with the Royal Navy permeates the Order of Service, which has been released by Buckingham Palace ahead of proceedings. Music chosen by the duke includes the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” – traditionally associated with seafarers and the maritime armed services.
It was also sung at the funeral of Philip’s beloved uncle, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.
The Dean of Windsor, in the Bidding, will also pay tribute to Philip’s “kindness, humour and humanity.”
“With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us,” he will say of Philip, who died aged 99 last Friday.
“We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith. “Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity.”