Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Jasper and the rest of the Commonwealth are remembering Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away at the age of 99 on April 9.
Prince Philip visited Canada many times over the years, accompanying Princess Elizabeth - proclaimed queen two years later - during her inaugural visit to Canada in 1951.
In 2005, he came to Canada along with Queen Elizabeth II to participate in the celebrations marking the centennials of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
During this trip, they visited Jasper where Prince Philip gave a reading from 2 Corinthians to a Sunday congregation in the St. Mary and St. George Anglican Church.
David Prowse, who was the reverend at the time, conducted the service along with Bishop Victoria Mathews.
“They were intending to attend Sunday service at the cathedral in Edmonton,” Prowse said.
“And then they decided instead that they would have their private retreat at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where, of course, other royalty has visited.”
With passes required and security screening ahead of time, the church was filled to capacity at 150 attendees with 750 spectators outside the church.
Prowse recalled going down with the bishop to meet the royal couple and escorting them into the building.
“As we started up the walkway to the church, people began singing the hymn ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and you could hear it way out amongst the crowd outside and His Royal Highness turned to me and said, ‘Oh, your typical Sunday morning congregation,” a real chuckle on his face,” Prowse said.
Prince Philip also took the opportunity to ask Prowse, who served a couple of tours with the Royal Canadian Regiment, about his military service medals that he was wearing.
The duke himself had a decorated naval career, including active duty in the Second World War.
After Prince Philip gave his reading and the service was concluded, the royals had a walkabout outside and Prowse helped escort them to their vehicle.
“It was a really wonderful morning and great opportunity to have them come and take part in the worship,” Prowse said.
Prince Philip is remembered for his leadership and patronage of more than 750 charitable organizations.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which he founded in 1956, celebrates the achievements of young people around the world.
In a statement, Mayor Richard Ireland offered his condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the residents of the Municipality of Jasper
“We were privileged to welcome Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to our mountain community on several occasions, most recently in 2005 for Alberta’s centennial year,” Ireland said.
“The legacy of service and involvement established by the Duke with respect to numerous charitable organizations will remain an inspiration for all.”
The municipality also lowered its flags in light of the duke’s passing.
A book of condolences and a Prince Philip memorial page are available on the Government of Alberta’s website.
