Service of Thanksgiving for the life of The Duke of Edinburgh

Published 28 March 2022

Members of the Royal Family and representatives of His Royal Highness's many charities and interests gathered at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the life and work of this extraordinary public figure

The Service gave thanks for His Royal Highness’s dedication to his family, to the Nation and to the Commonwealth as both Consort to Queen and a working member of the Royal Family in his own right. The event also recognised the importance of The Duke's legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.

The Service in particular paid tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to public life and steadfast support for the over 700 charitable organisations with which His Royal Highness was associated throughout his life.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, founded by His Royal Highness in 1956, feature prominently in the Service, with a Tribute given by Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award Holder.

In 1956, when The Duke of Edinburgh created the Award, he had a vision to create a programme which supported the development of young people all over the world. Today, you’ve learnt how his legacy has impacted me and how it will continue to impact future generations to come.

Alongside the Royal Family, Members of Foreign Royal Families and The Duke of Edinburgh’s wider family and friends, the congregation included over 500 representatives of The Duke of Edinburgh’s patronages and charities, reflecting the breadth of causes and charitable interests championed by His Royal Highness, and as a tribute to those who continue his work.

Other guests at the Service included representatives from UK Government, the Armed Forces and the Devolved Administrations, Realm High Commissioners, representatives of Overseas Territories, representatives from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Household, representatives from The Duke’s Regimental Affiliations in the UK and the Commonwealth, as well as the clergy and other faiths.

In recognition of The Duke of Edinburgh’s long-held relationship with the Armed Forces, the Band of the Royal Marines provided music before and after the Service. The Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal Choirs provided music during the Service.