Anglican Communion News Service

Colonel David Lloyd-Jones - a former Royal Marine and administrator at Glamis Castle - gave a moving personal address during the service. He said: "Having been a member of the castle staff for 10 years, there was a wonderful sense of loyalty to her. Nobody wanted to let her down."

The rector of the church where the Queen Mother was confirmed 86 years ago invited all comers to a special prayer service for her. The Revd Canon Malcolm Richardson opened the doors of St John's, Forfar, from 9.30am on Tuesday 9 April. Canon Richardson said, "This was a chance for our congregation and for people from surrounding areas to come to church to pray." The service included an address by Colonel David Lloyd-Jones, a member of St John's congregation and a former administrator at nearby Glamis Castle - the Queen Mother's family home. Colonel Lloyd-Jones' address included personal reflections based on the many times he had met the Queen Mother during his time at the castle between 1978-88. He said the four qualities that exemplified all she did were loyalty, example, administration and duty.

The Forfar service was arranged at 9.30am to give worshippers enough time to get home to watch the Queen Mother's 11.30am funeral service at Westminster Abbey. The Queen Mother was one of 12 confirmation candidates at St John's Scottish Episcopal church in Forfar on 5 November 1916. In the years that followed she always kept a close link with the church, attending its centenary service in 1981. The Queen mother worshipped at the Scottish Episcopal chapel in Glamis Castle throughout her youth. When she turned 16, she was confirmed at nearby St John's. Worshippers were invited to say an adapted prayer from the church's funeral service at the service.

Memorial Prayer for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

"Lord of all our days, we thank thee for the years from childhood to old age in which thy servant Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother has been among us, and for all that was accomplished in her long life. As in this life she glorified thy name, so beyond death may she praise thee still and find rest, peace and joy in thine eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Article from: Scottish Episcopal Church