Tomorrow we will bear witness to possibly the most unusual royal funeral of this era.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, along with twenty-nine other mourners, will bid their goodbyes to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

For those of us, like myself, who are no longer in full time education, what a revelation this past week has been. With people nationwide and internationally coming forth to recount their memories or sharing delightful snippets of information after meeting this much maligned yet courageous man.

It is what I find somewhat a British trait. We are happier to relate all that is perhaps not as nice about one another – instead of praising, highlighting, and discussing positive things about what our friends, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours, and families have achieved during their lifetime whilst they are around to be able to appreciate, how valued they indeed are, to each and every one of us.

Our clergy here in Andover, past and present, will agree with this very sentiment, that time and time again, amidst their most profound grief, those most recently bereaved will often only recount the happy memories feeling well disposed to the recently departed.

It’s often said: “We shouldn’t talk bad about the dead “

But I doubt very much if our Priests, Vicars, Ministers and Pastors usually hear anything untoward about them at these times anyway.

Our passing is an inevitable part of our life.

In the case of Prince Philip, his legacy will surely now be, all that we have now been made aware of.

Personally speaking, our clergy are without exception – walking counsellors with a great depth of understanding for the human frailties that beset us as we walk our paths from the cradle and beyond.

They are there when we come into this world, as well as for baptisms, weddings, funerals, hospital and hospice visits, as well as happily participating in lots of joyous occasions.

And in one case, even working towards peace on the international stage.

Those who seek solace will never be found wanting, they care and walk amongst us, and are not to be found just in our mosques and churches.

Our queen tomorrow will instinctively derive great comfort from her deep commitment to her faith. Whilst we as a nation, will be offering her our sincerest condolences.