Gloucestershire pays tribute to Prince Philip

Leaders from across Gloucestershire have been paying tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh following his death at the age of 99.

Gloucestershire County Council Chairman, Ray Theodoulou said: “On behalf of all councillors and staff of Gloucestershire County Council I should like to say how very sad we all are at the news of HRH Prince Philip’s death.  We send our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all her family at this time.

“The loss of His Royal Highness Prince Philip will be felt right across the globe for some time to come. I know the people of Gloucestershire will want to pay their own personal tributes to someone who has been a part of this great country’s fabric for so many years. As a mark of respect for HRH Prince Philip flags on council buildings are being flown at half mast.”

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek said. “It is with deep sadness that we hear the news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death. This is a huge loss to the nation and one which we will all feel deeply for a long time to come. We give thanks for Prince Philip, his unwavering love and support of the Queen, and for the good he has championed and enabled within our country and beyond over so many years.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family as we pray for them to know God’s comfort and everlasting love in the days and weeks ahead.”

“May the hope and peace of Jesus Christ sustain us all.

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: “This is a huge loss to both the nation and the Commonwealth and one which we will all feel deeply for a long time to come. In difficult and uncertain moments such as this, we invite everyone to say a prayer, join us online for a service or sign a digital book of condolence.”

“HRH Prince Philip has been a constant example in all our lives. We send our deep condolences to HM The Queen and all the Royal family. Let us all give thanks for his long life of Christian duty, public service and steadfast support for The Queen as wife and monarch.”

Statement from Councillor Nigel Robbins, Chair of Cotswold District Council: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts go to the Royal Family during this challenging time and on behalf of Cotswold District we would like to offer our deepest sympathies.”

As a mark of respect, we will be flying the Union Flag at half-mast at our Trinity Road Offices and arrangements are also being made at the Moreton Area Centre.

Statement from Councillor James Bevan, Chair of Forest of Dean District Council: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts go to the Royal Family during this challenging time and on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council we would like to offer our deepest sympathies.”

As a mark of respect we will be flying the Union Flag at half-mast at our Coleford Offices.