A Ripon man has composed a poem for the late Queen and her husband Prince Philip.

Amateur poet Peter Moonscion told the Stray Ferret that he was interested in the relationship The Queen had with her husband, Prince Philip:

“I was inspired by the longevity of their relationship and their devotion to each other and when Philip passed away I started thinking about it.

“The poem is trying to look past her title and look at the person – it is not about Queen or Empire.

“I was considering using the title ‘Dutys End’ — in the sense that, now in heaven, she can focus on being herself and on her husband and not being our Queen.

“It was an inspiration that even into their old age couples can still love each other deeply and one has to pass away before the other”.

Mr Moonscion (pictured left) says he generally writes a poem quickly when the thought and mood comes to him and it can take only an hour or so to write.

He has already posted it on social media groups where it was well received:

To sleep

I lay me down at your side.

And comforting, my brow you stroke.

And smiling warmly with such pride.

Heaven’s sense, your eyes evoke.

Your lulling scent now brings me peace,

like incense whispers Paradise.

It takes me back onto the Heath.

Where met we in another life.

Then as your lids begin to give,

you mouth three words I last you gave.

A tender phrase for which we live

and quiet times like this we save.

And while you sleep, I watch you still.

In awe of beauty’s faithfulness.

Though sweeter now as I fulfil

My promise, to the end caress.

Your warmth one last time bids me sleep.

A shorter rest than yours my dear.

And so, I pray time may soon reap

the one you leave behind in tears.

Now gently, as our eyes are closed

I find your hand and softly tether

two halves of a dream proposed

so long ago amidst the heather.

And as we sleep here side by side,

two vessels full dusk leaves behind.

Then floating with life’s ebbing tide,

one vessel empty dawn will find.

Goodbye my dear, I love you so

and pray that we’ll soon meet.

Farewell my love I hope you know,

you made my life complete.

Peter Moonscion

Read More: 

• The Queen’s funeral: Harrogate district arrangements for Monday
• The Queen’s funeral to be televised at Ripon Cathedral

Harrogate bugler Hayley Stead has expressed her pride at playing the Last Post at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral last Saturday.

The former Rossett high school pupil’s job title is Lance Corporal Bugler and she plays with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth.

Her primary job with the Marines is to play the Last Post for men and women who have served in the military and passed away.

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on April 9, and the official two-week mourning period for the royal family ends today.

L Cpl Bugler Stead was on Easter leave when she got the call to be part of the funeral. She told the Stray Ferret:

“Pride was an understatement”.

The band spent all week in rehearsals, which included a dress rehearsal on Thursday and a final run-through on Friday.

L Cpl Bugler Stead said over the past year she has been redeployed to help vaccinate and test people alongside the NHS. She said “it was so good to play again”, even if it was for such a sad occasion.

Read more:

• Image gallery: Prince Philip in the Harrogate district through the years
• Tributes from across the Harrogate district paid to Prince Philip

She added:

“To play on the day it still feels surreal. I was very honoured and proud to be there.”

Passion for music

At the age of 12 L Cpl Bugler Stead joined the Harrogate and District Sea Cadets, where she played in the band and developed a passion for music.

After working for Bettys in her 20s, she decided on a complete career change and to follow her dream of playing music for a living. She said she’s “never looked back” since joining the Marines.

A number of care home residents sat and watched the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral this afternoon.

Care homes in Knaresborough and Harrogate sat to share their memories and remember Prince Philip.

The care homes said a number of their residents has spent this week thinking of Prince Philip and the royal family as they mourn.

At The Gatehouse, on Manor Road in Harrogate, the residents sat to watch the funeral on TV and the staff had put on an afternoon tea for them to enjoy.

Home manager, Adam Carling, said:

“Remembering Prince Philip here at The Gatehouse today. He was an amazing man and our residents remember him fondly. A sad day for all.”

Residents came together this afternoon to watch the funeral.

The staff decorated the room and organised an afternoon tea.

Read more:

• Image Gallery of Prince Philip on visits to the Harrogate district over the years.
• Bettys and Harlow Carr closed today for Prince Philip’s funeral.

At the Manor House care home in Knaresborough the residents also wanted to come together to watch the funeral.

A notice was put up during the week telling residents it would be shown on the TVs in the lounge.

Carer, Alison Morgan, said:

“Lots of our residents have admired the Royals through their lives and today is a very sad day for them, and how we hope the Queen and her family feel the warmth and love and wishes from the public and that in some small way it helps.”

Some residents at Knaresborough Manor watched the service privately in their rooms.

Others sat together in the lounge to watch the service.

The Cuttings, run by Harrogate Neighbours, in Harrogate also encouraged residents to sit together this afternoon to watch the funeral broadcast on TV.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said:

“Staff and tenants came together to pay their respects to Prince Philip who had been part of their lives for many years. Everyone has a fond memory of a man who has given so much to this country and the commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the Her Majesty The Queen.”

Residents at The Cuttings sat in the lounge this afternoon to watch the broadcast.

Many of the Harrogate residents wanted to pay their respects today.

Ripon Cathedral and two churches in Knaresborough will be holding services this evening to allow congregations to offer their condolences.

Ripon Cathedral is holding a service of evensong at 6pm today to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The cathedral told its congregation, via Facebook, that the service will include a reflection from the Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson DL. The service will be sung by the lay clerks of the cathedral’s choir.

Prince Philip died last Friday, aged 99

The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, will be attending.

The tenor bell will toll ahead of the service, half-muffled.

Guests will require a ticket, which can be booked here, and the cathedral asks everyone to be seated for 5.45pm.

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle last Friday, aged 99.

During the period of mourning the cathedral has been open to visitors. People have been invited take a candle and a prayer card and sit in the cathedral to reflect.

Read more:

• Prayers were said for Prince Philip at Ripon Cathedral last weekend.
• Image Gallery: Prince Philip in the Harrogate district.

In Knaresborough, the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Goldsborough will be open for prayer vigils.

Due to covid restrictions the churches have said they will not be offering books of condolence.

All of this evening’s services will be held in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Bettys’ Harlow Carr branch and RHS Harlow Carr have said they will close on Sunday as a mark of respect to Prince Philip.

Prince Philip’s funeral is due to take place at St George’s Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, at 3pm on Saturday.

Bettys tweeted this morning its Harlow Carr branch and tea house will be closed all-day on Saturday.

Our Harlow Carr branch and Tea House will be closed on Saturday, along with @RHSHarlowCarr, as a mark of respect for the funeral of His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

— Bettys (@Bettys) April 15, 2021

RHS Harlow Carr will also be closed on the day.

Its gardens also closed on Friday last week when news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death was announced.

It said:

“As a royal charter charity, the closure is a mark of respect to our patron, HM The Queen, in line with traditions organisations like ours wish to follow.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience and are offering a refund or a chance to rebook and retail vouchers to visitors affected.”

Saturday afternoon’s sports fixtures are also affected.

Harrogate Town’s game on Saturday has been brought forward to 12.30pm in line with all professional fixtures.

The England and Wales Cricket is requesting local cricket to stop for an hour to pay their respects.

“We are asking all recreational cricket clubs across England and Wales to pause play between 3pm and 4pm next Saturday in order to pay their respects alongside observing the one minute silence at 3pm.”

The Army Foundation College in Harrogate has said there will be no official mark of respect but those officers that can will honour the minute’s silence during the service.

Read more:

• Image Gallery: When Prince Philip visited the Harrogate district.
• The Harrogate district pays tribute to Prince Philip. 

Several churches in the Harrogate district will be paying their respects to Prince Philip today.

St. Peter’s C of E Church on Cambridge Road in Harrogate will be open for private prayer from 11am to 1pm.

St Wilfred’s Anglican Church on Duchy Road will remember Prince Philip at Parish Mass at 10am which will be live-streamed on Facebook.  

St Mark’s Church on Leeds Road has opened a book of condolences at the church. If you don’t want to visit in person, please email office@smch.org.uk with your tribute.

Ripon Cathedral has opened up an online book of condolences. It can be accessed via riponcathedral.org.uk.

Read more:

• Tributes from across the Harrogate district
• Free fairground rides to help Ripon families

Yesterday, The Bishop of Ripon, Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, wrote a piece for the Stray Ferret that reflected on Prince Philip’s service to the nation and her experience of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

She wrote:

“HRH Prince Philip will perhaps best be remembered for his unwavering support of Her Majesty the Queen.  Married for 73 years (that’s amazing in itself), their lives witnessed so many ups and downs in global life: their constancy something of a foundational soundtrack to our own nation’s challenges and joys.”

Union Jack flags across the Harrogate district have been flown at half-mast today as a mark of respect for Prince Philip.

These include at the Army Foundation College on Pennypot Lane and Harrogate Borough Council’s offices on Knapping Mount.

Harrogate Town players also observed a minute’s silence before their game away at Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.

Harrogate Borough Council’s Civic Centre.

The Army Foundation College

Burnt Yates

Ripley

North Yorkshire County Council

Harrogate Town players observed a minutes silence in Bolton this afternoon. Credit – Matt Kirkham

The Duke of Edinburgh had a long association with the Harrogate district and made several visits over many decades.

These included a visit to the Majestic Hotel in 1949 with the future Queen, and a trip to the newly constructed Conference Centre in 1982.

Thanks to local historian Malcolm Neesam for providing us with some of these images.

Did you ever meet Prince Philip during one of his visits or through the Duke of Edinburgh awards? Get in touch at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk 

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Majestic Hotel in 1949. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive

Visiting Harrogate Railway Station on July 10 1957 with the Queen. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive.

The Duke of Edinburgh at the Conference Centre on March 26, 1982. Credit: Walker-Neesam archive.

Visiting Knaresborough’s Working Men’s Club in 1998. Credit – the BBC.

The Queen and Prince Philip in Ripon in 2004 commemorating the 400th anniversary of the city’s royal charter.

Prince Philip and the Queen at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2008.

Read more:

• Tributes from across the Harrogate district paid to Prince Philip
• Column: A marriage that provided constancy through our challenges and joys

The Harrogate district paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99 today.

Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Philip passed away this morning at Windsor Castle.

The Palace said it was with “deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip”.

Politicians, organisations and the Dean of Ripon Cathedral paid their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon.

You can find full coverage of the tributes from across the district below:

Ashville College pays tribute to Duke of Edinburgh

Ashville College has said it will continue to encourage its pupils to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Prince Philip founded the awards, which aim to empower young people to learn new skills, in 1956.

The college said it has supported its pupils taking part in the programme for many years and will continue to do so.

A statement from Ashville College said:

“We are very sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Prince Philip today. Ashville College has supported pupils to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme for many years, with 100 pupils achieving their Bronze or Gold Award in the past five years alone.

“The DofE has provided these young people with opportunities to take part in a range of enriching activities that help them to broaden their horizons and develop skills that are transferable for their future careers. We will continue to encourage our pupils to take part in this prestigious award in the years to come.”

RHS Garden Harlow Carr shuts as a mark of respect

RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed for the rest of the day.

In a post on its Facebook page, the RHS said it took the decision out of a “mark of a respect”.

It said:

“As a mark of respect and due to our great sorrow and deep regret of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be closed for the rest of today.”

Flag flown at half-mast at Harrogate Civic Centre

Harrogate Borough Council flies flag at half-mast.

Harrogate Borough Council is flying its flag at the Civic Centre at half-mast as a mark of respect following the death of Prince Philip.

In a tweet, the borough council said:

On behalf of all at Harrogate Borough Council, we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family after hearing of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Union Flag at the civic centre is being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. https://t.co/8gzTV9P8kD

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) April 9, 2021

Mayor of Harrogate Borough offers ‘deepest condolences’ to Royal Family

The Queen and Prince Philip pictured in Ripon.

The Mayor of Harrogate Borough has offered his “deepest condolences” to the Queen and the Royal Family after the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Cllr Stuart Martin MBE said it was with “enormous sadness” to learn of the death of Prince Philip.

He said:

“It is with enormous sadness to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“On behalf of myself and the Mayoress, our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy go to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family during this time.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue offers thoughts and prayers

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has offered its condolences to the Royal Family.

In a tweet, the service said it was “saddened to hear” of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

It said:

We are saddened to hear of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family at this sad time. https://t.co/fjnjEc3cSN

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) April 9, 2021

Dean of Ripon Cathedral ‘prays for comfort and strength’ for the Royal Family

Dean John, Ripon Cathedral.

The Dean of Ripon Cathedral has said his thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family after the passing of Prince Philip.

Dean John said “it was with great sadness” that the cathedral learned of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

He added that Prince Philip showed “great courage” in his early years, which shaped him “for a life of distinguished service”.

Dean John said:

“We reflect on his extraordinary life, of the great courage he showed in his early years, years that shaped him for a life of distinguished service as consort to Her Majesty the Queen. His contribution to the life of this nation, the Commonwealth and the world community is without question. We remember particularly his care for the natural world, the World Wildlife Fund, and think of the inordinate number of people who have benefitted from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

“Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with Her Majesty the Queen and her family. We pray for comfort and strength for them.

“In this Easter week, we Remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is with hope and confidence that we pray for the soul of Prince Philip, commending him to God’s safe and sure keeping.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP has called today ‘a sad time for our nation’

Andrew Jones MP has released this statement:

“The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh is a sad time for our nation.

“Prince Philip had a life-long record of public service to The Queen, to our country and to the many organisations he supported. It is a record that is second-to-none and my thoughts are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family and Prince Philip’s many friends at this time.

“Prince Philip’s role as consort to The Queen is his best-known contribution to our nation’s life but there was much more to this exceptional man.  He was part of a generation which suffered the privations and dangers of war as a serving officer in the Royal Navy, where he was commended for his bravery in action.

“He was an active member, patron or President of around 780 organisations and founded the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme helping young people move forward in their lives and careers. That scheme alone made a difference to the lives of millions.

“His environmental work over many decades, his championing of conservation of the natural world, helped change worldwide opinion.

“But while celebrating his record of service we should remember that he was a family man.  As we mourn the passing of an outstanding national figure his family mourn the passing of so much more; a husband of 73 years, a companion, a mentor to generations, a source of support to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“It is right at this moment of national mourning that election campaign is suspended and I have asked that local campaigning by the Conservative Party for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections and the Bilton and Nidd Gorge county council by election be suspended.

I know that other parties will want to join in observing this suspension too as a mark of respect for this formidable, long-serving, brilliant public servant.”

North Yorkshire Police has posted a tribute offering its condolences to Her Majesty The Queen

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. There is a sombre mood across the force today as our thoughts and condolences are with HM The Queen and the Royal Family at this very sad time. https://t.co/wuMov0GzWC pic.twitter.com/QR6jhjptk0

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) April 9, 2021

The flag is flying at half-mast at County Hall

North Yorkshire County Hall in Northallerton has lowered its flag to fly at half-mast following the Prince’s passing.

Lord Harewood said he was “greatly saddened” to hear of the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing:

David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood, said:

“All of us here at Harewood are greatly saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. Patron and President of hundreds of organisations, he has championed and raised the profile of so many good causes.

“Harewood Staff, members, our visitors and residents across Leeds will remember with great warmth his visit to Harewood in 2002 on the occasion of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“The flag at Harewood House will fly at half-mast and our deepest sympathies are conveyed to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this sad time.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire has said:

“His Royal Highness was a hugely charismatic man, who was much loved and respected by so many.

“Prince Philip carried out over 22,000 solo engagements since 1952, including many in North Yorkshire, as well as accompanying Her Majesty The Queen at many other events. They were both at the 150th birthday celebrations of The Great Yorkshire Show in 2008.  The Duke was also a great supporter of military events across our region.

“He will be fondly remembered by so many, both here and across the Commonwealth. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme will be his legacy, touching over 6 million young adults and continuing under the auspices of HRH The Earl of Wessex.”

“His unwavering support for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II throughout Her Reign will always be remembered.

“On behalf of the people throughout the Lieutenancy of North Yorkshire I have conveyed to Her Majesty the Queen our deep condolences and great sympathy for the great loss She and her family have sustained.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats has also said campaigning will stop

The local Lib Dems retweeted an article by the BBC and added their own comment which said:

“Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. Our thoughts are with The Queen and the whole Royal Family at this difficult time.

“We are immediately suspending our local and national campaigning as a mark of respect.”

Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. Our thoughts are with The Queen and the whole Royal Family at this difficult time.

We are immediately suspending our local and national campaigning as a mark of respect.https://t.co/UhpIfxWjxL

— Harrogate & Knaresborough Liberal Democrats (@HKLibDems) April 9, 2021

Yorkshire Party has said it will stop it campaigning today

On Twitter it said:

“It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Prince Philip – the entire team here at the Yorkshire Party send our commiserations to her Majesty and their family at this time.

“As a mark of respect, the Yorkshire Party will halt campaigning today.”

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Prince Philip – the entire team here at the Yorkshire Party send our commiserations to her Majesty and their family at this time.

— Yorkshire Party (@Yorkshire_Party) April 9, 2021

Local MP, Nigel Adams, posted on Twitter:

“We mourn and give thanks for the life of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He has been an incredible support to Her Majesty as her consort & will also be remembered for his lifetime of service for our Country & Commonwealth.

May He Rest In Peace.”

We mourn and give thanks for the life of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
He has been an incredible support to Her Majesty as her consort & will also be remembered for his lifetime of service for our Country & Commonwealth.
May He Rest In Peace. https://t.co/M5HP0FEYOw

— Nigel Adams (@nadams) April 9, 2021

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society which runs the Great Yorkshire Show has paid tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, and said he played an “integral part” in the  society’s heritage.

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Philip “passed away peacefully this morning” at Windsor Castle, aged 99.

The Duke of Edinburgh first paid a visit to the show in 1977 and attended the show on its landmark 150th anniversary in 2008.

He visited the show on the third and final day along with Her Majesty the Queen to meet exhibitors and inspect livestock.

The Queen was patron of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organised the show, from 1952 to 1997.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said the Royal Family have been an “integral part” of the society’s heritage and paid tribute to Prince Philip.

Read more:

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• Harrogate district mourns Prince Philip

Mr Pulling said:

“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society sends its sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.

“The Royal Family and Her Majesty The Queen have been an integral part of the Society’s heritage since it first formed in 1837 and on two occasions, in 1977 and 2008, we were honoured to welcome HRH Prince Philip along with Her Majesty The Queen to the Great Yorkshire Show.”

As part of his engagements with the Queen, Prince Philip often visited North Yorkshire to lend his support to various initiatives and events.

In May 2010, he opened the Scarborough Open Air Theatre and supported military events across the county.

The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire described Prince Philip as a “hugely charismatic man, who was much loved and respected by so many”.

Tribute have also been paid by politicians, organisations and the Dean of Ripon Cathedral this afternoon.