Palace sets up book of condolence for Prince Philip as tributes flood in

Thousands of people across the country have taken to social media to express their sorrow at their passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Now an online book of condolence in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh has been set up for those who wish to record a personal message.

An announcement on the Royal Family's Twitter account has said that the book of condolence will be available on the royal website.

The webpage said that a selection of messages will be passed on to members of the royal family and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity.

But the royal family's Twitter account also said that due to coronavirus restrictions, actual physical books of condolence will not be available for the public to sign and urged people to make a donation to charity in the Duke’s memory, rather than leaving floral tributes outside royal residences.

Members of the public have traditionally left flowers at the gates of Buckingham Palace when a member of the Royal Family dies, but stay at home advice means people are forbidden from going out unless necessary.

The royal statement added: "An Online Book of Condolence is now available on the Royal website for those who wish to send a personal message of condolence.

"During the current public health situation, Books of Condolence will not be available for the public to sign.

"The Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke."

It is not the first time that an online book of condolence has been opened following the death of a member of the royal family.

After the death of Princess Diana in 1997 a special page for condolences was attached to a section of Buckingham Palace's official website.

Online books of condolence were also set up after the deaths of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret when they both died in 2002.

The Queen may record a televised speech in tribute to her husband, just as she did for the Queen Mother in 2002, but that is yet to be decided.

The online book of condolence can be found here.

Source: Read Full Article