Please see an update below following Her Majesty The Queen announcing the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh earlier today.
At Rushcliffe Arena, flags were lowered to half-mast shortly after the announcement and will be until further notice.
Mayor and Leader’s reaction to today’s announcement
Our Mayor Cllr Sue Mallender said: “It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of HRH Prince Philip who has been a figure in all our lives for as long as many of us can remember.
“We share the Royal Family’s mourning for his loss and will be informing residents in due course how they can pay their respects to acknowledge his life and passing.”
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen, the Royal Family and everyone who knew His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at this incredibly sad time.
“Please continue to check our website www.rushcliffe.gov.uk that will inform residents how they can pay their respects to His Royal Highness.”
Online Book of Condolence
An online Book of Condolence is now available for all Rushcliffe residents to sign on our website as they wish here until further notice.
Messages will appear on the same page for all to view as soon as possible.
In person Book of Condolence
An in person Book of Condolence will be available at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, NG2 7YG from Monday April 12 from 10am to 4pm each day until further notice for all Rushcliffe residents to sign as they wish.
This is in line with Rushcliffe Arena leisure centre opening as part of the Government’s COVID-19 roadmap and will be in a COVID secure area.
Parish Councils can open book of condolences as they see fit but are advised to make any in person books available in COVID secure public areas.
National Book of Condolence
An online national Book of Condolence is expected to be launched at https://royal.uk soon.
Flowers
Following advice from the Royal household and Cabinet Office there is a request for people not to gather or lay flowers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In agreement with other Nottinghamshire Councils, the Council is therefore following this advice at this stage and we will of course keep this under review.
Council meetings
It is at Parish Councils’ discretion if Council meetings should continue until the Prince’s funeral.
If they go ahead it is advised to hold a minute’s silence prior to the start of the meeting but the decision to cancel or run is of their choosing.
Further updates will follow as necessary to this brief and for any questions please respond to this email.