Commemoration for His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
The Government of Canada held a national commemorative ceremony in honour of His Royal Highness The late Duke of Edinburgh, also known as Prince Philip, who passed away on April 9, 2021. The ceremony strictly followed public health COVID-19 protocols.
Information on the national commemorative ceremony
April 17, 2021
Christ Church Cathedral
Ottawa ON
Photo gallery
Other commemorative activities
National Day of Mourning
To honour the memory of Prince Philip, a National Day of Mourning was proclaimed on the day of the ceremony.
In accordance with public health advice, members of the public were asked not to gather in crowds and public sites to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, Canadians were invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice or use this occasion to volunteer.
Half-masting of the National Flag of Canada
The Government of Canada proceeded with a half-masting of the National Flag of Canada on all federal buildings and establishments in Canada and abroad, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa.
On the morning of April 9, 2021, the Great Bell in the Peace Tower tolled 99 times — each ring representing a year in the life of Prince Philip.
Video — Flag at half-mast on the Peace Tower in Ottawa
Transcript of the video Flag at half-mast on the Peace Tower in Ottawa
Transcript of the video Flag at half-mast on the Peace Tower in Ottawa
Video length: 0:32 minute
There is no narration during this video.
The Peace Tower with the flag at half-mast is shown from a few angles as the Great Bell tolls.
The Canada wordmark appears, which has a waving Canadian flag above the last “a” in the word “Canada.”
Gun salute
A gun salute was conducted in Canada in honour of Prince Philip. It took place immediately after the national commemorative ceremony.
Video — Gun salute in Ottawa
Transcript of the video Gun salute in Ottawa
Transcript of the video Gun salute in Ottawa
Video length: 1:12 minute
There is no narration during this video.
Text displayed: On April 17, 2021, in Ottawa, the Canadian Armed Forces conducted a 41-gun salute in honour of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are depicted positioning the guns for the gun salute.
An ammunition box is lowered by two Canadian Armed Forces members, who remove a brass casing from the box, which is subsequently loaded into the gun.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are shown standing at the guns.
The camera focuses on a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with one arm rotated at his front, who then lifts his right arm straight up for a brief moment, before bringing it down, signalling to “fire”.
The first gun is shown firing the first round in the gun salute.
The National Flag of Canada waves in a smoke-filed sky that surrounds the members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Canada wordmark appears, which has a waving Canadian flag above the last “a” in the word “Canada.”
Funeral at St George’s Chapel
A funeral was held at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, United Kingdom, on April 17, 2021, prior to the national commemorative ceremony held in Ottawa on the same day.
Visit royal.uk for more information.
About His Royal Highness Prince Philip
Learn more about His Royal Highness Prince Philip, his dedication to duty and his special relationship with Canada. Take a look back at his lifelong commitment to our country through a commemorative video and a selection of photographs taken during his many visits.
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