With the announcement from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has sadly died, Bishop Guli of Chelmsford and Bishop Peter of Barking have both shared their condolences.

Bishop Guli said:”I am very sorry to learn about the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We pray for Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, the Commonwealth and the Nation and we give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s extraordinary life of duty and dedication.”

Bishop Peter said:”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Diocese of Chelmsford are with Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, our nation and commonwealth. At this time of great sadness, we remember with gratitude The Duke of Edinburgh’s extraordinary contribution as consort to Her Majesty the Queen. He has devoted his adult life to our service and the loving support of Her Majesty, for which we are thankful.”

Here at the Parish of High Ongar we add our condolences and prayers to those offered by the Diocese and the Church of England.

An online book of condolence is available on the Church of England website here.