Published: Friday, 9 April 2021

It is with great sadness that Oxford City Council has learned of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“We are all deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“My thoughts, and those of the people of Oxford, are with the Royal Family at this time and we join with people from around the world as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given.”

Councillor Mark Lygo the Lord Mayor of Oxford

“Today people across Oxford will be thinking with great sorrow of The Queen and her family, whose loss is so great. My thoughts and sympathies are above all with them. I would also like to express the thanks of the people of Oxford for the lengthy public service that Prince Philip gave to our city and nation over the 73 years of his married life. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is perhaps the most obvious legacy, benefiting so many young people across the world.

“Here in Oxford people will remember in particular his visits alongside The Queen in 1960 when he visited our Town Hall, in 2008 when he and The Queen opened the Children’s Hospital and West Wing at the John Radcliffe Hospital and in 2013 when The Queen came to give out Maundy money for Easter at Christ Church Cathedral.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council

“I’m very sorry to hear of the Duke’s passing. He was the most dedicated of public servants, over many decades. I had the honour of working alongside him on a number of significant events and he was always immensely cheerful, friendly, courteous - and of course supportive of Her Majesty the Queen.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Leader of the Opposition, Oxford City Council

"Prince Philip was the founding president of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (which became WWF) and, through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, did much to connect young people with nature. His contributions to nature conservation and the preservation of wildlife are worth recognising at this sad time."

Councillor Craig Simmons, Leader of the Green Party Group on Oxford City Council

Flags to fly at half-mast

In line with agreed protocol and to mark this solemn event, Oxford City Council will fly its flags at half-mast during the period of national mourning until the day following the funeral.

The book of condolence and floral tributes

Due to current Covid regulations the Council is unable to offer a book of condolence for members of the public in the Town Hall at the moment.

A national Book of Condolence is now available on The British Monarchy's website.

In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions in place, and to prevent the spread of infection, we respectfully ask members of the public not to lay flowers or other memorial items such as candles, messages and mementoes, in public spaces. The Royal Family hase asked that people consider making a donation to a charity of their choice, or one of the Duke of Edinburgh's patronages instead of leaving floral tributes. Please see the Royal Family website for a full list of charities and patronages.

A national one minute silence

The funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh will be held on Saturday 17 April 2021 at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. There will be a national one minute silence at the beginning of the service at 3pm.

Rate this page