Archbishop hails Prince Philip's 'extraordinary life of service' as religious leaders pay tribute

Religious leaders have joined the nation in mourning the Duke of Edinburgh, praising his “extraordinary life of dedicated service”.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, led prayers across the UK and the Commonwealth for Prince Philip, who died on Friday morning aged 99, at Windsor Castle.

Referring to his Christian faith, the Archbishop paid tribute to the late Duke and his “unfailing support and unstinting loyalty” to the Queen, his wife of 73 years, as well as the country.

"He consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service,” the Archbishop added.

"On the occasions when I met him, I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his enquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at their ease and making them feel special. The legacy he leaves is enormous.”

The Archbishop was one of many faith leaders to pay tribute to the Queen’s husband, including the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell.

Figures from Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths were also among those offering their condolences to the Royal family, paying tribute to his life of service, as well as his focus on interfaith work.

Prince Philip, who was the longest-serving British consort, has been praised for his “extraordinary life of dedicated service” as well as the charities and causes for which he helped raise awareness.

Faith leaders reflected on his naval career during the Second World War, his establishment of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award which promotes community and citizenship values, as well as his work with charities and organisations reflecting his wide-ranging, global interests in topics including wildlife, conservation, sport, design, engineering and inter-faith dialogue.

Archbishop Welby added: "As we recover and rebuild after the terrible trial of the coronavirus pandemic, we will need fortitude and a deep sense of commitment to serving others.

"Throughout his life Prince Philip displayed those qualities in abundance, and I pray that we can take inspiration from his example.

"I also join many people in giving thanks for the marriage of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip, and for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Theirs was a marriage grounded in friendship and mutual respect and sustained by shared faith in Christ.

"I pray that God will comfort Her Majesty and the rest of the Royal family at this time. May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory."

The Archbishop of York also called on the nation to join him in prayer for the Royal family, adding: “As we give thanks to God for a life lived to the full, may Prince Philip rest in peace and rise in glory”.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, added: “How much we will miss Prince Philip’s presence and character, so full of life and vigour. He has been an example of steadfast loyalty and duty cheerfully given. May he rest in peace.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis praised the Duke’s “exceptional service to our nation”, saying: “We have lost a most distinguished man who was a selfless and loyal public figure. The Queen and all the Royal family are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice, is buried at the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene, in Jerusalem.

Following the Nazi invasion of Greece, the Princess risked her life by hiding a Jewish family in her home. She returned to the UK in 1947 for the wedding of Prince Philip and the Queen, before travelling back to Greece where she established an order of Greek Orthodox nuns.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis added: “I enjoyed immensely my personal conversations with the Duke of Edinburgh, during which I was deeply moved by his extraordinary sense of duty.

“A remarkable royal, working well into his 90s, he became a role model for staying active in one’s latter years and demonstrated an unwavering sense of responsibility to our country…

“We remember the Duke’s interaction with, and affection for, the Jewish community in the UK and his connection with Israel, where his mother is buried and which he visited in 1994.”

Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: “Our thoughts are with the Royal family today; it is our sincere hope that their memories of Prince Philip will be a comfort to them in the period ahead.”

The Muslim Council of Britain also released a statement sending condolences to the Royal family. It added: “We are deeply saddened by news of Duke of Edinburgh's passing. Prince Philip was a pillar of support to our sovereign and had a big presence in public life for decades.”

Anil Bhanot OBE, interfaith director of Hindu Council UK, paid tribute to the Prince on behalf of the nation’s Hindu community “who loved and admired Prince Philip as a great frank soul”.

The Sikh Federation UK also commented on the “sad news” of his death, saying: “He should be remembered for a lifetime of public service & devoting most of his life to supporting the Queen.”