Civic service in remembrance of the Duke of Edinburgh will be broadcast to people in West Yorkshire
A Civic service is taking place today (16th April) at Leeds Minster
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
A special pre-recorded civic service in remembrance of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is taking place today (16th April) at Leeds Minster.
The public will be able to watch the service online this evening.
The service will be led by the Rector of Leeds, The Reverend Canon Sam Corley, and with a sermon by the Anglican Bishop of Leeds, The Right Reverend Nick Baines.
The Rector of Leeds, The Reverend Canon Sam Corley said:
"There's a sense of privilege today being able to lead the service, but also a feeling of regret, not just at the Duke's passing, but not being able to be together with political and community leaders, to mark his passing.
"I think so many of us have had our lives affected by loss in the last year, I think so many are touched at how even the Royal family aren't immune. There's a sense of coming together."
Due to covid restrictions, only a small number will be able to attend in person; the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, the Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, and the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson.
The Anglican Bishop of Leeds, The Right Reverend Nick Baines said:
"It's a big communal thing, I feel very strongly that the Royal Family and the queen need time to grieve the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and they need some privacy."
The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire said:
"I think there's an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation for a wonderful life of devotion and duty.
"It's a period of national mourning and our thoughts are with the Queen and Royal Family during this time, and that feeling of sadness is felt right across our region."
The council say the service of remembrance, will provide an opportunity for the people of Leeds to reflect on His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh’s life and to also give thanks for his decades of service to Her Majesty The Queen, the nation and the Commonwealth.