Mayor and Leader of the Council Statement - His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Statement by Mayor of Reading, Councillor David Stevens, and Reading Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jason Brock

It is with great sadness that Reading Borough Council and the people of Reading have learned of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We join the rest of the United Kingdom in extending our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty The Queen and all other members of the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

Flags on Council buildings are being flown at half-mast. They will remain at half-mast until 08.00am on the morning following the funeral.

We understand residents of the borough will want to record their personal thoughts and messages in a Book of Condolence. Details on a local and national eBook of Condolence will follow shortly.

We respectfully ask that anyone wishing to lay flowers in tribute should do so outside of Reading Town Hall, by the Queen Victoria Statue, at this time, and are asked to please follow current guidelines on social distancing.

Reading Minster in St Mary’s Butts will tomorrow open its doors from 9am - 2pm and 6pm - 9pm for any members of the public who wish to enter for a short period of reflection.

No decision has yet been made on Reading Borough Council’s programme of events and engagements at this sad time. As a mark of respect, some events may be cancelled at short notice, or could begin with a period of silence. As a mark of respect any engagements or events attended by the Mayor of Reading will begin with a period of silence.