Cllr Martin Foley, Uttlesford District Council Chair, has issued a statement on behalf of Uttlesford District Council:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of the council, I would like to express our sincere condolences to The Queen and the Royal Family at this time. Prince Philip demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to public duty and as a devoted consort to Her Majesty The Queen, our longest ruling monarch, for almost 70 years.
Our sorrow is shared by residents of the district and by people across the world, as we remember with affection and gratitude a lifetime of service by His Royal Highness.
A letter of condolence will be sent to the Queen’s personal secretary, expressing the council’s sympathies. The Union flag has been lowered to half-mast at the council offices as a mark of respect.
Residents are encouraged to safely pay their respects through the virtual book of condolence which will be available on the official website of the Royal Family from Saturday 10 April.
The laying of flowers is not recommended at this time and we would ask people to remember the current government guidelines in place to keep us all safe.”
R4U’s Cllr Foley has also written to the Palace on behalf of Uttlesford District Council.
R4U Chair Dan Starr said:
“Residents for Uttlesford also wish to express our condolences to HM The Queen and the Royal Family. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh has been an influential and well respected public servant from well before many local residents we’re born. His influence on our society has been huge, including on many residents of our district who over the years have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Our thoughts are with his wife The Queen and her family.”
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the district with HM The Queen in 2014 to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the Felsted School. A video if the visit is below.
As a mark of respect Residents for Uttlesford has suspended election campaigning in line with other political parties.
More information:
- Uttlesford District Council Chair Statement on UDC website
- Website of The Royal Family and Book of Condolences
- Felsted School Tribute to His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh