Condolence Books for Prince Philip in Auckland

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

People can pay tribute to the late Prince Philip in a series of condolence books launched by Auckland Council.

They can write messages of aroha​ to the Royal Family in tomes displayed at Auckland’s Town Hall from Tuesday and council service centres from Wednesday.

Condolence books will sit at centres in Graham St, central Auckland, 4 Osterley Way, Manukau, 9 The Strand, Takapuna, 6 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson, 24 Wellesley St, central Auckland, 35 Coles Crescent, Papakua, 50 Centreway Rd, Orewa, and 296 Main Rd, Huapai.

Members of the public’s tributes will be collected at the end of business on April 23.

The council said flags were flown at half-mast on council buildings on Tuesday to honour the Duke of Edinburgh, who died at Windsor Castle, aged 99.

The banners will also fly at half-mast on Saturdayto mark the funeral of the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

The funeral is set to take place at Windsor Castle. Only 30 people will be able to attend under the current coronavirus restrictions in England, but the slimmed-down service is scheduled to be broadcast live on television.

MPs from across Parliament have paid tribute to Philip, who died on Friday, New Zealand time.

Led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, party leaders spoke of the Duke’s life spent serving the monarchy and the Commonwealth.

Ardern also expressed concern for the Queen, who had lost her husband of 73 years.

“No matter what your role, no matter what your responsibility, grief spares no one,” she said.

What are your memories of Prince Philip?