Duke of Norfolk Pays Tribute

Family life and his strong Catholic faith had both been fundamental for the Duke, who died last week aged 86, said his eldest son.

"He was a father in a million. He was incredibly generous with his time, and full of love and enthusiasm.

"He took his family very seriously and loved keeping everyone together, organising great get-togethers with both my mother's side, the Maxwells, and the Howards, his family.

"He was one of eight children and every one of them married and had large families.

"At his 80th birthday, we must have had more than 200 family members from both sides. He always showed great interest in everyone and was very welcoming to people who married into the family."

Lord Arundel told the Littlehampton Gazette his father had had a great affection for Arundel and it was only age which had prevented the Duke and Duchess from moving to the castle from their home in Oxfordshire.

"He came down here once a week until recently and loved the castle and the estate.

"When we moved in 10 years ago, he used to stay overnight. He had an office at the castle and played an enormous part in running it. Tourists were amazed when he went up to them and asked them who they were. He took a real interest in people."

Church leaders have paid tribute to Duke Miles' encouragement of church unity, as the lay leader of Britain's Catholics.

"He was very much a Catholic all his life, but was very ecumenical in his outlook. My father always felt the reformation should have been a revision, not a reform."

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, will conduct tomorrow's (Friday) private funeral at Arundel Cathedral for the family and invited guests, including estate staff and community leaders.

Lord Arundel said the requiem Mass would be an opportunity for the family to pay their final respects.

"We will be saying farewell in the right way. There will be a memorial service in London later in the year which will be a celebration of his life."

Following the cathedral service, the Duke's body will be carried in procession to the castle's Fitzalan Chapel for interment in the family vault.

Tonight, at 7pm, the late Duke's ecumenical approach will be reflected at a special service at the cathedral at which members of the public are invited to pay their respects.

Bishop Kieron Conry will lead the service, with readings by Arundel Baptist minister the Rev Philip Tout and the town's Anglican vicar, the Rev Keith Richards.