Following the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Salisbury Cathedral has entered a period of mourning.

Prince Philip with The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam. The visit to Salisbury was part of Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012


The Cathedral will be open for private prayer and reflection on the following days: Monday 12 April, Tuesday 13 April and Friday 16 April from 11:00 – 13:00 and Wednesday 14 April 18:00 – 20:00, when candles may be lit by those wishing to pay their respects. The Cathedral will continue to function as a vaccination centre on other days in the week. Please check the website for up-to-date information www.salisburycathedral.org.uk


Covid precautions will be in place and masks must be worn in the Cathedral building.

For those unable to come to the Cathedral there will be alternative places to visit across the Diocese. The Government has advised that physical condolence books should not be offered at this time. The Church of England has opened an online condolence book for anyone who wishes to sign and record a message: https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip

There will also be opportunities to reflect, pray and give thanks for the life of Prince Philip during ‘in person’ and live streamed worship over the coming days. Booking for ‘in person’ services is essential due to limited capacity.


The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “I, and the whole community of Salisbury Cathedral, share the profound sense of national grief at the death the Duke of Edinburgh. As we reflect upon his life of service to the nation and its Church, and as we give thanks for that life, we join our voices with millions of others as we pray for the Queen, for the Royal Family, and for all those who feel the death of Prince Philip most closely and keenly. Spanning nearly a century his life has been steadfast in the service of his Queen and his country.”

Prince Philip last visited the Cathedral in 2012 supporting the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee Tour, when she unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

During the visit, the Queen and Prince Philip met the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam and explored an exhibition of the county's history and communities on the Cathedral Lawn. Afterwards they were introduced to the Cathedral stonemasons and met local children working on projects based on the Magna Carta. The Royal visit concluded with a display by the Band of The Prince of Wales' Division, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth.