Archbishop of York leads local tributes to ‘remarkable’ Prince Philip – as Mansion House flag flies at half mast
The great and the good of York and North Yorkshire have been paying their tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh, who has died aged 99.
At the York Mansion House, the union flag was flown at half mast, as it was at North Yorkshire Police premises across the county.
York Minster’s Great Peter Bell was tolled 99 times marking the years of the Prince’s life at 3pm. A prayer was said by the Dean of York, Dr Jonathan Frost.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, said: “I join with many of you across the country as we mourn the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
“Prince Philip was a remarkable man who lived a life of service dedicated to his country, to his wife, Queen Elizabeth II and his family.”
The Archbishop highlighted the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as “an enormous part of Prince Philip’s legacy”.
He said: “The award has allowed countless young people to develop and discover skills, which have instilled confidence in them and given them an encounter of working together for the common good.
“Prince Philip was patron to hundreds of charitable organisations, covering a wide range of disciplines all of which benefited from his wit and wisdom and his inquisitive mind.”
The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker said: “In his 99 years, Prince Phillip had an incredible life serving our country with distinction at home and abroad. We all remember his visit here with Her Majesty the Queen in 2012 to mark the York 800 celebrations.
“This was just one of many memorable visits to the city in his life but one I remember. He leaves behind a host of memories and an incredible legacy, not least of which is the Duke of Edinburgh Awards which have given joy and support to so any young people.”
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said: “In the midst of a year that has marked so much loss and sadness, the announcement of the death of Prince Philip marks another loss, most of all to his close family and friends.
“I will never forget my meeting with him, in happier times, when he opened my physio school at my university.
“Poised on an exercise bike and demonstrating cardiovascular function, he was determined to push my heart rate ever higher. It ended in an intense workout for me and much amusement for him and my fellow students; sadly he declined my offer of reciprocation.
“It is a passing of an era. It is a closing of chapter. May he rest in peace.”
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said: “A moment of sorrow for the entire nation, as we mourn the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh. My thoughts are with the entire Royal Family, especially the Queen at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his lifetime of service, which is an inspiration for us all.”
North Yorkshire Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
“There is a sombre mood across the force today and on behalf of everyone at North Yorkshire Police, I send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, at this very sad time.
“Flags at North Yorkshire Police’s premises will be flown at half-mast during the national period of mourning.”
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said: “From serving in the Second World War and his many years of dedicated public service, to his work in supporting charities and organisations across the UK and the world, there has been a great deal to admire.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and His Royal Highness’ family at this sad time. To show our respect as a city the flag at the Mansion House will be flown at half-mast and there will be a digital book of condolence where people can share their comments.”
On behalf of Scarborough Council, the Mayor Cllr Hazel Lynskey, said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.
“As we reflect, with gratitude, on his selfless dedication to duty and service, our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this time of personal and national sorrow. We will send a special letter of condolence to Buckingham Palace to convey our sentiments to them directly.
“I have fond memories of The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to the borough in 2010, when he attended the official opening of Scarborough Open Air Theatre with Her Majesty The Queen.
“A wonderful day was had by all who attended and the Royal couple certainly seemed to enjoy the fantastic musical performances and the wonderful atmosphere created by all those who packed out the theatre to welcome them.
“It was a day on which lifetime memories were created and one I will always remember fondly.”