People of Preston gathered around the Harris Museum’s balcony, by the cities Flag Market, to pay respects as a minutes silence began throughout the centre at 3pm on Saturday 17 April.

The Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, has joined representatives from the Preston and District Veterans Council, including two centenarians and veterans of the Second World War, at the civic ceremony to pay tribute to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, said: “Today we join together to pay our respects to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and reflect on a life of public service and duty to family.

“As we come together in a minutes silence, we should remember his commitment to our armed services, his active role in the Second World War and the lasting legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which has enabled millions of young people around the world to develop important life skills.

“The city of Preston has had the honour of welcoming His Royal Highness on a number of occasions and the people of Preston are joined in our collective mourning at his passing.

My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the entire Royal Family on this sad day.”

Watch the clip below of the respects being paid

A bugler played ‘The last post’ after which a minutes silence was the observed at 3pm to coincide with the beginning of the funeral taking place in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The funeral service also began with a minute of silence and was then preceded by a Ceremonial Procession within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Colonel David Waters, President of the Preston and District Veterans Society, said:

“We are all deeply saddened at the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who leaves a legacy of steadfast public service and a commitment to our armed services.

“In his roles as Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Navy, Field Marshal of the British Army, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force, he had a special affiliation with our nation’s armed services and the men and women who serve in them. He was also a veteran of the Second World War having played an active role in the conflict as part of the Royal Navy.

“His death will be greatly mourned and it is a privilege to be part of this ceremony to pay our respects to His Royal Highness and to commemorate his life and the service he gave to our nation. My thoughts will be with her Majesty the Queen and the whole Royal Family on this sad occasion.”

See the latest news and information near you

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines