A moving and solemn service honouring the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been held in one of the North East’s most hallowed and historic sites.
Community leaders and civic dignitaries gathered at Durham Cathedral as the region continues to mourn the monarch’s passing ahead of the state funeral on Monday.
Before the Service of Prayer and Reflection, the organist played Bach’s Prelude and St Anne Fugue, which was performed at the funeral of the Queen Mother in 2002, setting a suitably sombre and respectful tone.
The service was attended by the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, who wrote her own reflection piece for the formal order of service.
She wrote: “Over her lifetime, the UK and the Commonwealth changed enormously: economically, socially and culturally.
“The Queen responded to all these challenges and changes with warmth and great dignity.
“Despite the tumultuous times of the past years, she remained strong and resolute, a figure of stability, continuity, always preserving the dignity of the role and responsibilities she had been given.
“Her sense of duty and patriotism were constant. The importance of family, her concern for the lonely, the poor and vulnerable, for the welfare of our children, for our Armed Forces, and for the people of the Commonwealth were common themes throughout her Reign.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was selfless and unwavering in her service to us. She was an anchor of permanence and stability. She proved true to her promise and her subjects will always be truly thankful and will never forget her warmth, compassion and devotion to duty.”
Before the service got underway at 3pm, the Acting Dean of Durham, Michael Hampel, greeted the Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, the High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, the Mayor of Durham, and the chairwoman of Durham County Council, escorting them to their seats.
The congregation heard a moving rendition of Adagio espressivo (Sonata in A minor) by Sir William Harris, who was music tutor to the young Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, and this piece was performed at the funeral service of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in April 2021.
Welcoming everyone, Acting Dean Michael Hampel said: “As we gather here in Durham Cathedral, we stand together in grief and mourning at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“But our grief is a reflection of the love we bore her, and the grace we received from her, through her life of service devoted to us, her people.
“It is a moment of instability but also of continuity; of looking back but also of looking forward; of reflection and of self-reflection.
“At the heart of Queen Elizabeth’s life was her Christian faith, and her sense of duty was a direct response to Christ’s call to follow him.
“In this service, we pray for the repose of her soul and we look to her legacy in Our Sovereign Lord The King for whom we also pray.
“May the light of God’s love always shine in the King’s heart and God’s praise ever be on his lips.
“And now, as we take our leave of a remarkable woman, let us commit ourselves to lives in the service of God and neighbour, as Queen Elizabeth has done, and pray as Jesus taught us."
The service was attended by almost 1,000 people, with a further 350 watching live online.
A key moment was when three children carried the Books of Condolence, which have been signed by thousands of visitors to the cathedral over the past week, to the High Altar.
There were readings by Reverend Canon Charlie Allen, Chancellor of Durham Cathedral, Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon and Professor Karen O’Brien Vice Chancellor of Durham University.
Prayers of Intercession were then led by Reverend Daniel Parkinson, Minor Canon for Liturgy and Learning at Durham Cathedral with Cadet Colour Sergeant Keira Hughes, ACF Durham Army Cadet Force; Professor Pali Hungin OBE DL former Dean of Medicine, Durham University; Lauren Austen Beneficiary of The Prince’s Trust; Sophie Miller Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs; Alec Cooper of Durham Scouts, and Nikki Dravers, REfUSE Minister.
Mourners rose to sing God Save the King at the end of the service following a reading of Floral Tribute by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, by Wallsend-born Emmerdale actor Charlie Hardwick.
During his own address Bishop of Durham Paul Butler said: "Her Late Majesty’s head and hands we driven by her big heart; a heart of love and the heart of a lion.
"She was a woman of enormous compassion and great courage.
"She needed her courageous heart at the start of her reign as she took on the responsibility that when she was born and in her earliest childhood was never on the horizon.
"She needed great courage to take the risks involved in moving from Empire to the Commonwealth, deftly handling her role as sovereign through it all.
"She needed courage when her family faced great difficulties; something she faced right through to her final years.
"Queen Elizabeth II will be held in great honour for years to come.
"The second Elizabethan Age will take its place in history. We would all do well to honour her memory by seeking like her to use our head, hands and heart in the service of others; with a commitment to duty and constancy."
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