Sentamu says Duke of Edinburgh is model example

The Archbishop of York has paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh ahead of his 90th birthday on Friday.

Dr John Sentamu gave the formal response from the Lords Spiritual to the motion for a humble address in the House of Commons by David Cameron.

The Archbishop praised the Duke as “the embodiment of devotion, duty and loyalty in service to our country” and said he had been “a model to us all”.

“I look with admiration and envy on his stamina and resilience,” he said.

The Archbishop spoke admiringly of the Duke’s long record of service as a Royal Navy officer who fought in World War II, and as the patron to some 800 organisations.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme he founded also came in for particular praise for inspiring so many of the nation’s young people, as did the Duke’s “rootedness” in the Christian faith.

“Not everyone is aware that His Royal Highness has a keen interest in theological questions,” the Archbishop said.

“Bishops who are invited to stay and preach at Sandringham face a barrage of serious theological questions over lunch and there is nowhere to hide. He listens appreciatively but never uncritically.”

In the House of Commons yesterday, the Prime Minister led tributes for the Duke in a “humble address”.

Mr Cameron described the Duke as a “remarkable” man who possessed an “unshakeable sense of duty”.

Leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, said the Duke was a reminder to all of the “unique spirit of public service which the monarchy discharges to the British people at home and abroad”.

He added that the Duke’s “unique turn of phrase” had become a “much-loved feature of modern British life”.

The Duke has been the Queen's consort for a record-breaking 59 years.

He will be joined by family for a celebratory service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday.