His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021

It is with great sadness that we learned the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.   Our sincere condolences on behalf of the parish of Riverhead with Dunton Green are offered to Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the royal family.  We offer thanks for Prince Philip’s long life and his unstinting support to the Queen and for his many interests which included support for younger people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme.

The Church of England has confirmed that, based on Government guidance under the current Covid-19 precautions, physical books of condolence should not be offered at this stage.  However, an online condolence book is now open for individuals and communities to record messages via the Church of England website here.

A book will also be available on the Royal Family website once they have updated their website here: www.royal.uk.

Holy Communion service in memory and thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The benefice of the West Sevenoaks Team Ministry, in recognition of the life of service in support of Her Majesty the Queen and towards the nation and Commonwealth given by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is holding a service of Holy Communion in memory and with thanksgiving.

The service is to be held at St Mary Kippington on Friday the 16th of April at 7pm.

Please click here to access information and book tickets.

At this this time of great sadness please join together to say prayers – 2 examples are listed below.

Blessed Jesus,
Lord of Lords and King of Kings,
we give you thanks
for the life of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh .
for the grace and mercy
he received from you,
for his faithful love and support
of Her Majesty, The Queen,
and his service to this nation
at home and abroad.
Enfold him in your everlasting arms
grant him rest
and raise him up at the last
in the company of the saints in light. Amen

O God, our sovereign and shepherd,
who brought again your Son, Jesus Christ,
from the valley of death,
comfort, we pray,
The Queen and all the Royal Family
with your protecting presence.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit;
and with your heavenly peace;
and bring them at the last
to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen