The following statement is released on behalf of the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, following today’s announcement by Buckingham Palace of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh:

“We are all deeply sorry to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. When I recall him and his long years of public service three words come to my mind: loyalty, fortitude and humour.

His loyalty is well-known to all of us. He has been an extraordinary companion to Her Majesty The Queen throughout her long reign and has been a constant source of encouragement and support to her. We are hugely grateful for that.

His fortitude is obvious. He has persevered through all sorts of difficult circumstances and has been an encouragement and source of strength to the whole of the nation.

And his humour is well-known to everyone and, I think, has been a source of amusement and joy to all of us.

He will be very greatly missed, especially, of course, by Her Majesty and by all members of the Royal Family and we want to assure them of our thoughts and our deepest prayers at this difficult time of their bereavement.”

To view Bishop James’ recorded message following the death of His Royal Highness, Duke of Edinburgh visit the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel here.

Picture: Courtesy of PA

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Bishop of Carlisle was given an honorary role to preside over the Queen’s Chaplains in 2014. As Clerk of the Closet the Rt Rev'd James Newcome supports all 36 Chaplains who preach in the Chapels Royal according to the Rota of Waits. His other duties include suggesting possible names to the Private Secretary to the Sovereign, should a vacancy occur in the list of Chaplains as well as presenting new diocesan Bishops to the Sovereign when they do homage. He also preaches annually in the Chapel Royal or at the Queen's Chapel in St James's Palace and examines any theological books to be presented to the Sovereign.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658, 01768 807764 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.