Passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Southampton will observe a one-minute silence ahead of His Royal Highness’s funeral on Saturday
A one-minute silence will take place prior to the funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at 3pm on Saturday.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, and following the wishes of the Royal Household, we will not be holding a public ceremony, but the occasion will be marked in a private ceremony led by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Sue Blatchford.
We would like to encourage everyone to observe the silence in memory of His Royal Highness who devoted over 70 years of his life serving the country. The silence will begin when the bells of the Civic Centre clocktower stop chiming at 3pm.
The Mayor has issued this statement:
"I would like to express my great sadness, both personally and on behalf of the city council and citizens of Southampton, on hearing the news of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness’s sense of duty and grace made him loved and admired by people of all ages not just in this country but throughout the Commonwealth and the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family at this time."
Flags in the city are being flown at half-mast, and the Civic Centre clock tower and O2 Guildhall Southampton will be lit purple, until the day after the funeral.
It is not considered safe to open a paper version of a ‘book of remembrance’ at this time. However, we encourage all those who would like to provide a personal message of condolence to sign the national online book of remembrance at royal.uk/condolence.