PICTURES: 10th Duke of Richmond and Gordon's '˜magnificent' memorial service
Distinguished gusts included members of the late Duke’s family, royals Princess Alexandra and The Duke of Kent, and Susan Pyper, the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex.
The service was led by the Dean of Chichester, the Very Revered Stephen Waine.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter a special tribute was given by Rt Hon Sir Peter Hordern, DL, a friend of the late Duke, readings were given from the late Duke’s daughter, Lady Louisa Collings, his son the 11th Duke of Richmond and Naomi March, the late Duke’s adopted daughter.
The Earl of March, grandson of the late Duke, also read ‘Turn Again to Life’ by Mary Lee Hall.
The late Duke, who died peacefully at his Goodwood home in September, contributed a great deal to the whole of West Sussex throughout his life.
Among around 600 guests was Nick Stuart-Nicolson, president of the Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce & Industry, who attended with councillors Steve Goodheart and Jeanette Warr.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “I was particularly encouraged by the words from the first speaker, Sir Peter Hordern.
“It was a magnificent service befit of a royal duke and I thought it very poignant, of all the things he could have mentioned about the duke’s achievements that he focused on the fact he had a passion for Bognor Regis.
“The service was hugely heartwarming and I think it was encouraging for all of the people of Bognor Regis that his work for the town was highlighted.
“We were quite thrilled.”
Mr Stuart-Nicolson was on the Bognor Regis Regeneration Board with the late Duke and recalled presenting the Duke with the Britton award in July 2008, saying ‘he was so pleased’.