THE city council has cancelled plans for a wreath laying ceremony for the Duke of Edinburgh due to new guidance.

The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Sue Blatchford, has announced today that the wreath laying ceremony mentioned yesterday has now been cancelled.

There will still be a wreath placed on the Civic steps and flags are at half mast, but the Mayor and other representatives of the council will not be present.

Cllr Blatchford said: "On behalf of the citizens of Southampton, I would like to express my great sadness, both personally and on behalf of the city council and citizens of Southampton, on hearing the news of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness’s sense of duty and grace made him loved and admired by people of all ages not just in this country but throughout the Commonwealth and the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family at this time."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not considered safe to open a paper version of a ‘book of remembrance’ at this time.

However, the City Council is encourage all those who would like to provide a personal message of condolence to sign the national online book of remembrance at www.royal.uk/condolence.

Any residents who would like to do so can lay flowers on the grass bank to the east side of the Civic Centre car park from today.

Parking will be temporarily suspended in the Civic Centre forecourt car park until Monday, April 12, but this will be kept under review.