Prince Philip's life to be celebrated in a County of Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving - which will be streamed online

A County of Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Bedford.

The Service will be held in the presence of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and civic leaders.

It will be held tomorrow (April 16) at The County Church of St Paul Bedford, and will be led by The Reverend Canon Kevin Goss, the Vicar of St Paul’s, with an address and blessing from The Rt Reverend Richard Atkinson, the Bishop of Bedford.

Representatives of faith groups from across Bedfordshire will participate in the service with the lighting of candles and prayers for His Royal Highness and the Royal Family.

In this communal Act of Worship, and in line with current Covid-19 regulations, there will be a limited number of bookable seats which can be reserved by calling the church on 01234 340163.

The Service will be streamed live via YouTube and an edited version will be available to view after the service.

This means that, although many people will not be able to attend the service in person due to Covid-19, the county will be able to join together virtually to celebrate and give thanks for HRH’s life.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis said "It will be an honour to attend the County Service of Thanksgiving for the life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who has given so many years of devoted service to our Queen, the people of our nation and the Commonwealth.

"Though Covid-19 restrictions mean that only a few can gather together in person, I am pleased that civic leaders and representatives of faith groups will be present and that the occasion can be shared by people throughout the county via live streaming.”