Early this morning, Buckingham Palace announced that HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, husband and consort of Her Majesty the Queen, has died peacefully at Windsor Castle, aged 99 years old.

Regardless of how you may feel about him or about the Anglican British monarchy, let us remember that today is a dark and difficult day for the Queen, who has lost her beloved husband of over 77 years…..a man who has been the love of her life for over 80 years.

“He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know”

– HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, on her Golden wedding anniversary

Prince Phillip spent World War II fighting Nazis in the navy whilst his mum, a staunch Catholic, hid Greek Jews, stopping them from being deported to near certain death. Princess Alice’s strong values of devotion, sacrifice and duty obviously rubbed off on her son. It can be safe to say that Prince Philip would not have been the well-loved, influential man he was without his mother’s influence.

What an amazing the mother-son dynamic we should all aspire to emulate. Despite her own personal challenges and limitations, she did a fine job of imparting strong moral values in Prince Philip.

As mothers, we truly are raising the next generation and our influence over our children cannot be overestimated.

Today, the Royal Family, a family just like any other, has lost a wonderfully devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather!

With tributes and condolences pouring in from around the world, from other global royal families, commonwealth countries, heads of states, past and current presidents, including presidents of the United States, we remember the steadfastness, loyalty, and selfless duty with which Prince Philip served the Crown and Country.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols led Catholics in mourning, saying: “At this moment of sadness and loss I pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip, Her Majesty the Queen’s faithful and loyal husband. I pray for the Queen and all of the Royal Family.”

The Royal Family have always maintained close relationships with the Vatican and the Catholic Church.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty The Queen pictured at the Vatican with Pope John XXIII during their State visit in May 1961.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was received in audience by His Holiness St Pope John Paul II on 10 April 1990

Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had a private audience with Pope Francis.

His Holiness Pope Francis has sent telegram to the Queen following the death of Prince Philip, in which he recalls the prince’s “devotion to his marriage and family, his distinguished record of public service and his commitment to the education and advancement of future generations” X

An eight day period of mourning will now commence, with the Union Jack 🇬🇧 being flown at half mast on all government buildings and royal residences. Meanwhile, mourners have been laying flowers all day at the gates of Buckingham Palace.

An online Book of Condolences can be found on the Royal Famiky website HERE

But what does the Monarchy have to do with Catholicism, I hear you ask?

Well, see THIS

Requiescat In Pace to our dear Iron Duke, HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh
10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021