Flags are flying at half-mast on Government Buildings across the Cayman Islands today (9 April 2021) to mark the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and consort to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Flags will remain at half-mast, or two thirds of the way up a flag pole, until 8 a.m. the morning after the royal funeral (the date of which is currently to be confirmed). A 21-gun salute at Government House tomorrow (Saturday, 10 April) at mid-day will also mark the passing of the Duke who was 99-years old.

His Excellency, The Governor Martyn Roper, OBE, and the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE have both issued statements, offering their deepest condolences, and those of the people of the Cayman Islands, to the Queen and the Royal Family.

The Duke of Edinburgh is known to have visited the Cayman Islands three times. He first made a solo visit, in 1962, when he was the first guest to stay in the recently built Government House. He visited twice more, in 1983 and 1994, accompanying Her Majesty The Queen.

Within the Cayman Islands The Duke also had a particularly impactful role on young people. Over the decades thousands of young Caymanians successfully enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme which he founded to promote youth development in the UK and the Commonwealth. 

It is expected that the Cayman Islands will join the United Kingdom in observing a minute of silence that will coincide with the official funeral. 

For members of the public who wish to extend their sympathies to the Royal Family, condolence books will be located at Government Administration Building in George Town, at Emily ‘Teacher Redley’ Powery in West Bay, at the Savannah,  Bodden Town, North Side and East End Post Offices, at District Administration in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman District Office, from Monday, 12 April. 

The books will be available during the business hours of the host organisations. Meanwhile an online condolence facility is also available from www.royal.uk. After the funeral all condolences will be shared with The Royal Family.

Premier Alden McLaughlin in his message urged Caymanians and residents to join the Government in expressing deepest condolences to, and offering special prayers for, Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family. Mr McLaughlin said individuals and businesses could also show their support by flying flags at half-mast on buildings and by observing the minute of silence. 

The Premier also noted that General Elections will continue as planned in the Cayman Islands this Wednesday, 14 April. 

While the observance will not impact essential public services, guidance by the UK Government to its personnel around the world has suggested that attendance at public and social engagements be reduced or stopped during the eight-day period. 

Senior officials in the UK Government will be expected to wear a dark suit or day dress. Routine scheduled communications activity will also be limited to essential public interest advice. These recommendations are not required to be followed in the Overseas Territories but are also being made available by the Cayman Islands Government to any persons who may wish guidance.

Buckingham Palace has also requested that persons make donations to charity instead of sending wreaths and flowers. 

Information about HRH, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and his past visits to the Cayman Islands, as well as current details and future announcements about local observances related to the period of mourning, are available from the Government Home Page www.gov.ky. 

Records relating to his visits to the Cayman Islands are available for viewing upon request in the reading room of the National Archive, www.cina.gov.ky, tel. 949-9809.

In memory of The Duke CIGTV will also re-air the Hurley’s Media documentary of the 1994 Royal Visit throughout the mourning period from tonight until 17 April.