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Freemasons have launched a campaign inviting our 200,000 members to raise funds for charities to which the late Prince dedicated his life.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was himself a Freemason, having been introduced to Freemasonry in 1952 at the age of 31 by his father-in-law George VI. Throughout his 99 years, he was associated with some 992 charities, as president, patron, or as an honorary member.
The Prince supported charitable organisations in the fields of scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, conservation and the environment.
Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, 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.”
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 and hand sanitiser.
We 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.
• We know that many Freemasons will have memorable experiences of Prince Philip, and would ask that you share them with Freemasonry Today as part of a tribute in the next edition. Please send contributions to editor@freemasonrytoday.com .
• In addition, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons’ charity, will be making a significant donation to one or more of Prince Philip’s supported charities on behalf of Freemasons in England and Wales, to mark the decades that he was a member of the Craft, Should members feel so moved to contribute in his memory, donations will be added to the total and we have opened a relief chest (DoE2021) to support that purpose. Cheques payable to the MCF can also be sent to Freemasons’ Hall.
