Norfolk: Two Requiem Masses for Prince Philip

Bishop Alan Hopes talks with Lady Dannatt at Cathedral Mass in Norwich.

Source: Diocese of East Anglia

Two solemn Requiem Masses for the repose of the soul of His Royal Highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, have been celebrated in the Diocese of East Anglia in Norwich and King's Lynn.

Lady Dannatt, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, joined a Requiem Mass for Prince Philip which Bishop Alan Hopes celebrated at St John's Cathedral on April 14.

In his homily, Bishop Alan recalled that Prince Philip had a Christian faith which was deeply held, as well as a love of family and a sense of duty, which were in themselves Christian qualities. And so, he concluded, "we ask the Lord to have mercy on His servant Philip. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace."

Lady Dannatt, who is the Queen's representative in Norfolk, was accompanied by her husband, General Lord Dannatt, who was head of the British Army from 2006 to 2009. The couple came forward during Communion to receive the Bishop's blessing. Afterwards the cathedral choir sang the National Anthem. After the service Lord and Lady Dannatt took time to speak with the Bishop and with the Dean, Canon David Paul.

A Requiem Mass was also celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, King's Lynn on Friday April 16. Her Majesty the Queen was represented at the Mass by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Peter Wilson.

Sandringham House and Wood Farm, where Prince Philip spent his final years, are in the parish of King's Lynn, and the people of Lynn have always regarded the Queen and Prince Philip as "locals".

The Eastertide Mass, included the seafarers' hymn 'Eternal Father Strong to Save', which the Duke had requested for his funeral. Afterwards the Vice Lord Lieutenant said he had been deeply moved by the service.