COLCHESTER’S mayor will be leading a one minute silence for the Duke of Edinburgh this weekend.

Robert Davidson, the town’s mayor, is encouraging residents across the borough to pay their respects to Prince Philip as part of a national minute’s silence at 3pm on Saturday.

The mayor and mayoress, who will be marking the occasion at home, are asking others to continue to follow public health advice by not gathering at the town’s war memorial or in other public spaces.

Mr Davidson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the Queen and the royal family during this very sad and difficult time.

“His Royal Highness Prince Philip was a loyal and dedicated servant to our Queen and a devoted public servant whose legacy will be felt by millions at home, across the Commonwealth and around the world.

“I am sure you will want to join the mayoress and I, at 3pm on Saturday, and pause briefly to reflect on the life of Prince Philip – whether to remember him as Her Majesty’s loyal consort, a naval hero, as the creator of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards or as the patron of more than 800 charities.

“The best way to observe the one minute national silence and watch the live TV coverage of Prince Philip’s funeral will be to follow safe social distancing at home.”

Joining in with the minute’s silence for the prince will be the Colchester-based charity Lepra.

Prince Philip was a long-standing supporter of Lepra, regularly helping with campaigns escorting the charity’s patron, the Queen.

In 1956, the royal couple visited Africa as part of their support for the charity.

During this tour Prince Philip visited many sick people in their homes, clinics and communities.

The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen also helped the campaign to build a new children’s home in Nigeria for those with the condition.

During one visit to Lepra’s programmes in Africa, His Royal Highness took a particular interest in the scientific advances following from Lepra’s pioneering use of Dapsone as the first cure for leprosy.

A Lepra spokesman said the charity’s longstanding relationship with the royal family began in 1924.

He added: “Since then Lepra has had royal patrons and is honoured to have Queen Elizabeth, as our patron today.

“We, therefore, wish to express our condolences to Her Majesty and extend our greatest sympathy to the royal family.

“The passing of the Duke is a sad day for all of us and a great loss for the cause of leprosy.”

Flags will continue to fly at half-mast from Colchester Town Hall, Colchester Castle and Rowan House until 8am on Sunday.