CHIPPING NORTON TOWN COUNCIL STATEMENT
PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH 10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021
The Town Council would like to join with the rest of the community and country in remembering and mourning the life and death of Prince Philip, the longest serving British consort in history.
The Council wishes to express its sincere condolences to The Queen and the members of the Royal family at this very difficult time. The Duke of Edinburgh was a very well respected, loved and thought after member of the Royal family.
The Queen said of him, in a speech from 1997, the year of their Golden Wedding Anniversary:
“All too often, I fear, Prince Philip has had to listen to me speaking. Frequently we have discussed my intended speech beforehand and, as you will imagine, his views have been expressed in a forthright manner. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
He is a man that we can picture so well, but as he gave few interviews it is less easy to recall his voice, but here he is demonstrating one of his many passions – in conversation with Brian Johnston from 1987 – talking cricket, the importance of playing fields and badly fitting trousers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p088cv45
Book of Condolence
Due to Covid-19, a Book of Condolence is unfortunately not available at the Town Hall. The only safe option is to use the online books of condolence; an online Book of Condolence is now available on the official Royal Family website for those who wish to send a personal message to the Royal Family – www.royal.uk/condolence .
Flags at Half-Mast
In line with agreed protocol and to mark this solemn event, the Union Flag, at the Town Hall will fly at half-mast.
Laying of flowers
On this sad occasion we would discourage you from laying flowers; although you may wish to make donations and we expect details to be released through the official Buckingham Palace website in due course www.royal.uk We understand the enormous financial pressures that the current situation is placing on some people and that nobody should feel obliged to donate.
