We were all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Provincial Grand Master expressed the condolences from the Province via Twitter saying.“Herefordshire Freemasons are deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
HRH Prince Philip was a member of Navy Lodge 2612. He was initiated on 5th December 1952 at the age of 31. He was passed to the Second Degree on 6th March 1953 and raised to the Third Degree on 4th May 1953. The United Grand Lodge of England issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7th May that same year and he has remained a member to this day. He was known to drop into lodge meetings almost unannounced.
The Lodge prides itself on being the premier Naval Lodge in the world, with an unparalleled history that includes four monarchs as past members – King Edward VII, King Edward VIII, King George VI and King George II of the Hellenes. Other members of Navy Lodge included three winners of the Victoria Cross and the polar explorers Sir Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.
Many Freemasons joined the Grand Secretary and Pro Grand Master on Friday Night at 9pm for #TimeToToast via Twitter and Youtube. The Toast coincided with the Members of the Ross Masonic Club weekly Zoom meeting. They toasted at 9pm and then joined the Pro Grand Master online to join in the #TimeToToast. It was attended by 10,000 members live.
You can watch the toast here.
According to The Grand Secretary, Dr David Staples in an interview with the BBC. HRH Prince Philip exhibited many of the values of Freemasonry during his life. The First Degree values of respecting your fellow man and supporting charity. He supported some 800 organisations, with special interests in scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and conservation and the environment. The Second Degree values of improving yourself through education. His Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has helped countless young people with key life skills. The Third Degree, make the most of your one life, he very much lived respected and died regretted.
You can watch the interview here