BBC Radio 4 to broadcast Matins from the Abbey
Friday, 9th April 2021
A Service of Morning Prayer from Westminster Abbey in Thanksgiving for the Life of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 8.10am on Sunday 11th April.
The death of His Royal Highness at the age of 99 was announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday.
The service will be led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who will give the Address.
Prayers will be said for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
Among the specially-recorded music will be William Harris’s anthem, Bring us, o Lord God, at our last awakening, sung by The Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers.
Readings will be given by the Reverend Tricia Hillas, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh had a long association with Westminster Abbey. On 20th November 1947, he married HRH Princess Elizabeth here (she became Queen in 1952), and they celebrated anniversaries including their Silver, Golden and Diamond Wedding anniversaries with services in the Abbey. He was President and Chairman of the Westminster Abbey Trust, set up in 1973, to raise funds for the restoration of the exterior of the Abbey, and he attended services and events including for many years the annual Opening of the Field of Remembrance.
The Abbey is open for services and private prayer over this weekend for those wishing to pay their respects.
