Sunderland landmarks light up in mark of respect to Prince Philip

Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire bridge, Hylton Castle, The Beacon of Light, Keel Square, the white lighthouse at Seaburn, and Fulwell Mill were among the landmarks lit up purple from dusk as a mark of respect to the Royal.

Prince Philip, who was married to the Queen for 73 years, died on Friday, April 9, aged 99.

His funeral was broadcast from Windsor to the nation as 30 members of the Royal family attended the service on Saturday.

Sunderland also joined the nation in observing a minute’s silence at 3pm in memory of His Royal Highness to coincide with the start of his funeral service at Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Union flags at the civic centre, which were lowered following Prince Philip’s death last Friday, remained at half mast until 8am on Sunday.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, said previously: "The Duke of Edinburgh played a huge role in this life of this country for more than 70 years so it’s entirely right that we should mark his death in this way.

"Many aspects of his extraordinary life have only come to the fore since his death. He was also a man of wide ranging interests which included everything from the welfare of young people, the environment, wildlife and industry to naval history, painting and birdwatching.

"But it is his steadfast support for Her Majesty The Queen in his role as the longest serving consort in British history that The Duke of Edinburgh will be best remembered for

"He also touched the hearts of people in Sunderland during his frequent visits to our city over the years. Many will remember The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh opening the new Winter Gardens in 2002, and their visit to the Port of Sunderland during The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

"Others will recall His Royal Highness visiting Washington Wetlands Centre in 2005, while those whose memories stretch back a bit further may remember him opening University's Edinburgh Building in 1964 when it was still Sunderland College or may have seen the video footage from that day."

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