WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter paid tribute in parliament to the late Prince Philip, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, whose links to Warrington included visiting the town in the wake of the IRA bombing.
It was the Duke’s second visit to Warrington, after previously visiting in 1979 for the opening of Golden Square, returning again with the Queen in 2012 for the official opening of Orford Jubilee Hub.
MPs returned to Parliament yesterday and marked the occasion with tributes from all sides of the House going on until 10pm last night.
Many told fascinating stories about his life and their interactions with His Royal Highness from across the country.
The remarks were led by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson who offered the “heartfelt thanks” of the nation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s “unfailing dedication” to the country and the Commonwealth.
Mr Johnson said the duke gave us all a “model of selflessness” and acknowledged the country would want to consider a “suitable memorial” to Prince Philip “in due course”.
Mr Carter added to the tributes by speaking about the Dukes visit to Warrington after the bombing in 1993. He said: “After the Warrington bombing in 1993, it was the Duke of Edinburgh who came to the town and attended the memorial service at Warrington parish church on behalf of the Queen, alongside the then Irish President, Mary Robinson.
“Having experienced the death of his beloved uncle as a result of terrorism, the Duke spoke movingly with the families of Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry at the rectory after the service, eager to comfort them following the loss of their two children.
“Warringtonians are proud of the part that the town played in generating the peace process in Northern Ireland. The Duke of Edinburgh was very much involved from the start, striving for reconciliation.”
An Online Book of Condolence is now available on the Royal website for those who wish to send a personal message of condolence: https://www.royal.uk/condolence
Visit royal.uk for updates from Buckingham Palace and information about The Duke of Edinburgh’s life and work.
Prince Philip first came to Warrington in 1979 with the Queen for the official opening of the new Golden Square development, also visiting the Town Hall.
The Royal couple returned to Warrington in May 2012 for the official opening of Orford Jubilee Hub where he was greeted by former Mayor Cllr Mike Biggin (pictured top).
Meanwhile St Mary’s church Lymm will be holding a civic service of commemoration for The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh at 6.00pm this Sunday 18 April 2021.
Due to COVID restrictions on numbers and the need to involve representatives from as many organisations as possible, the service is by invitation only.
Town hall flag flies at half mast as Warrington mourns loss of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
