All Torbay residents are invited to join a special online service to commemorate the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at 10am on Thursday 15 April.

The service, organised on behalf of The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay, Councillor Douglas-Dunbar, given by the Rt Reverend Jackie Searle Bishop of Crediton and Reverend Nathan Kiyaga Torbay Dean will be broadcast live on the Council's Facebook page from 10am.

The special online service, which is open to all regardless of faith, will allow all Torbay residents to come together to remember and pay tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in advance of his Funeral at 3pm on Saturday 17 April 2021.

The Worshipful Mayor of Torbay, Councillor Douglas-Dunbar, said; “This special online service will allow as many local people as possible to come together to reflect, pray and give thanks for the life of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. An extraordinary man who remained by our monarchs’ side for more than seven decades, which even included numerous visits to Torbay – many of which local residents have been remembering over recent days.”

Reverend Nathan Kiyaga, Torbay Dean, said; “Grief affects each one of us differently. We only find out the real impact as time passes. As we gather for this special service each at a different stage in our grief, we will remember a husband who supported his wife through all the changing seasons, a leader who inspired generations and a servant who served his Country and the World with joy. During this service, we shall pray that the courage he exemplified continues to inspire us to make a difference in the lives of those around us starting with our households."

The service will commence at 10am on Thursday 15 April 2021 and last for approximately one hour and will be accessible via our Facebook page.

In line with national COVID-19 restrictions regarding large gatherings, just 30 people will be in attendance at St Paul’s Church, Preston, Paignton. Attendance is via invitation only, with members of the public asked not to attend the church and to watch the live broadcast online instead.

The Royal Family have the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind and have urged the public to avoid meeting in large groups and not to lay flowers as a tribute, alternatively people could make a donation to a charity of their choice, or one of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Patronages in memory of His Royal Highness if they so wish. Further details can be found at www.royal.uk/dukes-charities-and-patronages.

Anyone wishing to express their condolences are encouraged to send a message to the Royal Family via the online Book of Condolence which can be found at www.royal.uk.

As a mark of respect Union flags on council buildings were lowered to half-mast. The Council is following the Palace period of mourning, meaning flags that have been lowered will return to being flown at full mast at sunrise (or nearest hour) on Monday 26 April.

Torbay residents are also invited to join with the National Minute’s Silence at 3pm on Saturday 17 April. To mark the start and end of the minute’s silence maroons will be fired from the Town Hall at 3pm and 3:01pm.