Published: Friday, 9th April 2021

Following the sad news of the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on Friday, 9 April, the Leader of Medway Council has issued a statement.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place on Saturday, 17 April at 3pm in Windsor. The funeral service will begin with a National Minute’s Silence at 3pm.

We understand that this is a difficult and sad time for many and that residents may wish to pay their respects to The Duke of Edinburgh.

Book of Condolence

Residents wishing to send a message of condolence to the Royal family are encouraged to use the online Book of Condolence on the Royal Website.

If residents do not have access to the internet, they will be able to visit The Princes Hall at The Corn Exchange in Rochester to write a message from Tuesday, 13 April until Friday, 16 April, between 10am and 4pm. Residents can enter the hall from the entrance on Rochester High Street. A number of measures will be in place to ensure the safety of residents and staff, including additional cleaning.

Please note that there is limited availability and, if residents are visiting The Princes Hall, they are encouraged to come alone, or with their own households, with their message prepared and to bring their own pens.

Residents are also encouraged to follow social distancing  guidelines and to wear face coverings, unless exempt.

To commemorate a visit from Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, in 1961, The Corn Exchange’s main hall was renamed the Queens Hall and the newer hall renamed the Princes Hall.

Floral tributes

In order to comply with government COVID-19 restrictions, and to prevent the spread of infection, residents are respectfully asked not to lay flowers or other memorial items such as candles, messages and mementoes at Royal Residences or other public spaces. The Royal Household has also requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather in public places to offer their respects. The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.

Statement from council Leader

The Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, has issued a statement following the sad news of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of the council and the people of Medway we send Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal family our deepest sympathies.

“Prince Philip was this nation's longest serving royal consort, and was always there to support Her Majesty The Queen wherever she went, either at home or abroad. He was a great character known for his ready wit, and for the delightful manner in which he could put people at ease, no matter what the occasion. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, and for way he helped to steer our Royal family through good times and more difficult times. Together with the Queen, he was instrumental in ensuring that we have strong monarchy fit for the 21st century.

“We will not see his like again.”

As a mark of respect flags at Gun Wharf and Rochester Castle will be flown at half-mast until Sunday, 18 April.

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