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Royal News

Rare joint appearance for royal brothers at special commemoration service

The Duke of Kent and his younger brother, Prince Michael of Kent, have made a rare joint appearance at a special commemoration for the life of one of Britain’s most famous racing drivers.

The brothers were at at a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in memory of Sir Stirling Moss who died in 2020 at the age of 90.

The Duke, 88, and the prince, 81, walked into the church past a display of cars driven by Sir Stirling. Alongside them were displays of the famous phrase ‘Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?’, which, for decades, was a well known phrase for saying someone was driving too fast.

Inside the Abbey family and friends of the driver joined famous names from the world of Formula One for the service which was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle.

Sir Stirling was often called the greatest driver never to win the F1 world championship. He enjoyed a career that spanned decades and encompassed several forms of motor sport.

At the start of the service, another famous name from the world of motor sport, Damon Hill, carried one of Sir Stirling’s racing helmets to the High Altar where it remained throughout the service.

Tributes were read by Sir Stirling’s son, Elliot Moss, and motor sports journalist, Simon Taylor. Another racing legend, Sir Jackie Stewart, also spoke.

Sir Jackie was there as a friend and fellow competitor but also as the representative of the Princess Royal.

The Duke of Kent attended on behalf of King Charles III. Prince Edward remains a high profile working member of the Royal Family.

The commemoration came as it was revealed that the Duke of Kent has increased the number of public engagements he’s taking on by almost a fifth this year. In the first months of 2024, the Duke took on over 30 duties, up 19% on 2023.

The Duke of Kent has been carrying out engagements for over 70 years. He continues to show his support to a wide range of organisations and causes.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.