University of Cambridge to hold service in commemoration of Prince Philip at Great St Mary’s Church

Great St Mary's, the University Church, will hold a choral service in commemoration of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, formerly chancellor of the University of Cambridge, at 6pm on Friday (April 16).

The service will be dignified and simple, the university said.

The university maces will be laid before the altar on a black cloth, in recognition of the duke’s 35 years of service as chancellor. There will be music from the choirs of the University Church, under the direction of Sam Hayes.

The Reverend Devin McLachlan, associate vicar, will officiate and preach. The Venerable Alex Hughes, Archdeacon of Cambridge, will lead the prayers, and Penny Walkinshaw, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, will read from Psalm 107.

Prof Stephen J Toope, the vice chancellor of the University of Cambridge, will read from the Book of Revelation and the mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Russ McPherson, will read the prayers.

Representatives of Churchill College, where the late Duke was the visitor - as well as Trinity College and St Edmunds’ College where the duke was an honorary fellow - will also be in attendance along with other representatives of the city, the university and faith communities.

The service will be livestreamed at YouTube.com/c/greatstmarys. Members of the public are welcome, but due to Covid-19 restrictions must book a free ticket in advance, at hrhphilip.eventbrite.co.uk.

Face coverings must be worn at all times, as well as maintaining two-metre distancing between households indoors.

The Rev Devin McLachlan said: “Prince Philip’s long life of service included unwavering support of the university and city of Cambridge, including nearly 35 years as Chancellor of the university.

"We were honoured to have the duke visit Great St Mary’s on several occasions, including during the refurbishment of our Michaelhouse Café, where he took a keen interest in the engineering and design work necessary to transform a medieval chapel into a community and restaurant space still suitable for public worship.

“We join with the nation in mourning the loss of a great man who cared deeply for his adopted country, and whose dedication to his family and to supporting young people in so many ways, including the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.”

Read more:

Prince Philip and Cambridge: A connection that spanned more than 60 years

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, dies at the age of 99