The Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, and Chief Minister John Le Fondré will lead a short ceremony in the Royal Square as part of a national tribute to Prince Philip whose funeral at St George’s Chapel Windsor begins with a minute’s silent reflection.
Because of the current public-health situation, the closed event, which will take place around the temporary flagpole in the centre of the Royal Square, will involve about 25 people but a spokesperson for the Bailiff said it was hoped that all Islanders would join in remembering His Royal Highness.
A single cannon round, fired from the ramparts of Fort Regent, will mark the start of Jersey’s tribute to the Duke who made eight visits to the Island between 1949 and 2005.
The Bailiff has asked those responsible for government and other public buildings which are open to observe the silence, and shops and commercial establishments have been encouraged to join in.
In the Royal Square, a small parade comprising the chief officers of the States police, fire and ambulance services, the harbourmaster, the president and chairman of the Royal British Legion and representatives of the three armed services will be brought to attention by Major Charlie Martell RE, commanding officer of the Jersey Field Squadron before the arrival of the principals.
A short bidding by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, will precede the one-minute silence.
Facing the temporary flagpole in the square, the three principals will be joined by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, the Receiver General Alan Blair, the Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae, Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and Deputy Viscount Mark Harris who will carry the royal mace.
A third group, representing the States Assembly, will comprise Attorney General Mark Temple, chairwoman of the Comité des Connétables Deidre Mezbourian, chairwoman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee Deputy Carina Alves, Deputy David Johnson representing Scrutiny Liaison, the Solicitor General Matthew Jowitt and the Greffier of the States Mark Egan.
Because of the Duke of Edinburgh’s association with the Armed Forces, a group of veterans, most of whom have met the Duke or served in a regiment with which he was associated, will be introduced to the principals after the minute’s silence.
The group consists of Simon Alan-Le Bas, former RAF ground crew, Royal Marine Chris Mourant, Martin Godfrey of the Grenadier Guards, Mrs Gloria Pallot-Brown of the RAF, Darren Blake, Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry, and Royal Navy Falklands war veteran Dave Power.
The ceremony will be live-streamed through the Government of Jersey’s social-media channels.
lA supplement commemorating the Prince’s visits to Jersey begins on page 33 of today’s JEP.
