Trinidad and Tobago envoy to attend Prince Philip's funeral

Trinidad and Tobago’s acting High Commissioner to London Jenny Thompson will represent the country at Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on Saturday at 3 pm, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Though Thompson is acting high commissioner, Buckingham Palace agreed that she will represent the country in the capacity of Acting Defence Adviser at the funeral.

In an e-mail to Newsday, the British High Commission pointed out that Thompson will be the only woman and civilian involved in this way.

It said, “Reflecting His Royal Highness’ Commonwealth military-specific relationships, the defence attaches/advisers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and TT will be positioned outside the chapel on the day of the funeral.

“The Duke worked closely with his team to finalise details of his funeral, and this sort of involvement was something he was keen to ensure, particularly as Honorary Colonel of the TT Regiment. TT is one of four countries to be represented in this way.”

Prince Philip, 99, died on April 9 at Windsor Castle. According to the BBC, he was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

The Royal UK’s website said the funeral will begin with a national minute of silence from 3 pm. The service will be led by a ceremonial procession inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.

It said all funeral arrangements are in line with the duke's personal wishes, and the occasion will recognise and celebrate his life and the 70 years of service he gave to the Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.

Chair of the Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC), Prof Judith Gobin, in a release on Tuesday extended sincere condolences on behalf of the management of the Asa Wright Nature Centre, the trustees of the board and all previous AWNC staff to the royal family.

It recalled, 36 years ago, after a visit from Prince Philip to the nature centre in Trinidad, at its 1,500-acre nature resort and scientific research station at Spring Hill Estate, Arima, Ian Lambie, former CEO and AWNC chair, said, “It was a privilege to have been visited by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip on December 1, 1985. At the time of his visit, Prince Philip was the president of the World Wildlife Fund, of which he was a co-founder in 1961.”

Lambie said the prince's visit was enjoyable and memorable.

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