Page 15 - Essex Mason (Issue 91)

Charity

To honour HRH Prince Philip,
who passed away last week, the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex
with circa 9,000 Freemasons and
300 Lodges has joined the United
Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)
campaign inviting their 200,000
members to raise funds for charities
that the Prince dedicated his life to.

is Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh had been married for 73 years and was a Freemason
himself having been introduced to Freemasonry in 1952 at the age of 31 by his Father-in-Law
HKing George VI. Throughout his 99 years, he was associated with some 992 charities, either as
president, patron or as an honorary member.
The Prince supported charitable organisations in the fi elds of scientifi c and technological research and development, the
encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, conservation and the environment.
Paul Reeves, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master In-Charge of Essex Freemasons, said “Although HRH Prince Philip
retired offi cially from royal duties in May 2020, after 22,219 solo engagements, his lifetime of duty and service is an
inspiration to everyone who is a Freemason.” Paul Reeves continued “HRH has been an example to us all for over 70
years during which time many people of all ages throughout Essex have benefi tted either directly or indirectly from The
Duke of Edinburgh’s initiatives and charitable patronage.”
Dr David Staples, chief executive of UGLE, said: “Prince Philip was well known for his charity work, having been involved
with numerous organisations. He was devoted to philanthropy and therefore the best way to celebrate his life is by
supporting the charities that the Prince himself supported.

“For us, this was an easy decision as Freemasonry’s core values are charity, integrity, respect and friendship. The
Freemasons have been quietly getting on with making society and the lives of those less fortunate better for more than
three centuries,” said Dr Staples.
Freemasons worked some 18.5 million hours each year as volunteers in a range of different areas, including driving
vulnerable people to hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, and producing
scrubs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser.
They also donated more than £1m last year to the Covid effort, with the funds being used to help communities in various
critical areas, including foodbanks, support for unpaid carers, PPE, supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for
women’s refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment.
As a Freemason, the Duke of Edinburgh was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December. On 6 March 1953, HRH
Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953.
The UGLE issued his Grand Lodge Certifi cate on 7 May that same year and he remained a member up until his death.

The Duke of Edinburgh was born in Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice
of Battenberg. He therefore also held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark.
Freemasons can also count other members of the Royal Family among their number, including HRH the Duke of Kent,
who is the longest-serving Grand Master of the UGLE.

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