‘Modest’ Duke praised in sermon

A “modest” Duke of Edinburgh was praised for his achievements yesterday as a church service was held to mark his 90th birthday.

Duke Philip was commemorated before his family, friends and associates just a few days after reaching the personal milestone.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were amongst the guests as the Dean of Windsor, the Rt Rev David Conner, who gave the sermon in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, made the congregation laugh when he told them the Duke “doesn’t like to the praised”.

But he went on to insist that despite Philip not wanting to be the topic of conversation, praise was due for the royal who over more than six decades had been the Queen’s tireless supporter and associated with or patron of more than 800 charities.

The Dean’s sermon had a light tone and he described the Queen’s consort as “modest” and also mentioned the royal’s service and faith.The senior cleric’s address combined the tribute to the Duke with the topic of Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday – which fell yesterday – celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church.

The service was a private event for more than 750 guests including senior members of the royal family, those associated with some of the Duke’s interests – sailing, polo, carriage driving and shooting – along with foreign royals, members of the Mountbatten family, the Duke’s godchildren and former and present staff from the Royal Household.

After the service the royals and all the congregation left for a private reception in the castle’s magnificent St George’s Hall and grand reception room.

Later there followed a private lunch for the Duke’s close relatives and wider family, with more than 100 guests being catered for.

During Philip’s birthday week, the Queen paid her own tribute to her husband by conferring on him the title and office of Lord High Admiral.

Philip is now the titular head of the Royal Navy - a position that was formerly held by the monarch.

The sovereign’s consort has a close association with the service as he served as a naval officer for more than 10 years, reaching the rank of Commander before retiring and saw service during the Second World War.