Church service marks Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th birthday

Thursday 10 June 2021

A service will be held in the Town Church today to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of His Late Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

The service of celebration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s life will start at 13:00 and will be led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on 9 April aged 99 and his funeral took place the following week at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. 

Pictured: The service will take place at the Town Church.

With covid restrictions still preventing gatherings at the time, it was decided that a service would be organised to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th birthday to coincide with some of restrictions easing up.

A limited number of seats will be available to members of the public who will be seated on a first come first served basis.

Those wishing to attend the service are requested to arrive no later than 12:45 to be seated by a Royal Court Usher who will ensure they are in the correct seats.

The service will also be attended by States Members who will conclude the morning States sitting early.

The Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, the Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham and the Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB will speak and give readings during the service.

The service will be lived streamed via the Government of Jersey’s social media channels to make it accessible to a wider audience.

Pictured: The Bailiff reminded that Prince Philip visited the island seven times.

“His Late Royal Highness visited the island on seven occasions, six of which were with Her Majesty the Queen,” the Bailiff said. “To receive such prestigious visits is a compliment and we should be grateful for His Late Royal Highness faith in our island.

“His Late Royal Highness, a character in his own right, will be missed for his humour and candour and this service I hope will allow islanders to reflect on his contribution and legacy.”

The Dean of Jersey added: “The United Kingdom, Crown dependencies and Commonwealth came together on 17 April to pay respect to His Royal Highness.

“[Today] we can come together as an island to reflect on his contribution and commitment not only to this island but the far reaches of the Commonwealth. I welcome the opportunity to invite islanders to attend this service and join us in reflecting on a remarkable man.”

A collection for the Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Jersey) will be available at the end of the service.