Territorians send their condolences to the Royal Family on Prince Philip’s passing at NT Government House event
Territorians flowed through Government House on Saturday after NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran AO opened the doors to allow community members to send their condolences to the Royal Family following Prince Philip’s death.
Northern Territory
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TERRITORIANS flowed through Government House this morning after NT Administrator Vicki O’Halloran AO opened the doors to allow community members to send their condolences to the Royal Family following Prince Philip’s death.
While a more sombre occasion than the Administrator’s regular open houses, with just the one room open to the public for the writing and signing of condolence letters, Ms O’Halloran said it was important to give the public the opportunity to pay their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on Friday, April 9.
“It was with great sadness that we learned of the Duke’s passing and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Royal Family at this time,” she said.
“Like many people across the country, we understand Territorians have fond memories of His Royal Highness and would like to pay their respects and send their personal messages of condolence.”
Former Duke of Edinburgh’s Award NT Division executive officer Judy Boland was one Territory resident who attended to pay her respects.
“It’s very sad, it’s the end of an era,” she said.
“There have been hundreds, probably thousands of Territory kids who benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is the development program for youth.”
Ms Boland said she was sure both the program and Prince Philip’s spirit would live on through the program, which will now be run by Prince Edward.
“I do hope the program continues on even though the Duke is no longer with us,” she said.
“His son Prince Edward has taken over the reins as the head of the organisation, so I think it will continue, but it’s sad.”
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Beyond the Duke of Edinburgh awards, Prince Philip visited the Northern Territory eight times in his lifetime, the first being in 1956 after he opened the Melbourne Olympics.
He returned with the Queen in early 1963, and again solo in 1968.
The Queen and Prince Philip returned to Darwin nine months before Cyclone Tracy destroyed the city in 1974.
While there, the couple hosted a dinner on board HMY Brittania.
The Queen and Prince Philip returned to the Territory in March 1977 as part of a 23-day Australian tour.
Tomorrow, the Anglican Diocese of the NT will host a service giving thanks for Duke’s life at the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in the Darwin CBD at 3pm.
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Mrs O’Halloran will be in attendance, representing the Queen.
The Duke’s funeral will be held at St George’s Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, at 11.30pm ACST tonight.
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