Canon retires from royal role

Canon John Sykes

But former chaplain to the Queen will still visit chapels

THE former vicar of Oldham, Canon John Sykes, has preached his last service in the Queen’s personal chapels in London.

Canon Sykes has been a chaplain to the Queen for 13 years, but is standing down as a royal preacher as he is now 70.

But he will still visit the Chapel Royal and Queen’s Chapel when he is in London, and urged local people to drop in if they visit the capital.

He said: “Both chapels are beautiful and the services are open to the public.

“I have preached in them 13 times, but my final sermon was on Sunday. It has been a very pleasant time.

“The services are mainly for members of the Royal household, and they do get visitors from all over the world because they are the cradle of English church music, and also use the Book of Common Prayer.

“The music is superb and there is also a choir of men and boys, with the boys dressed in Tudor ruffs and costumes.”

Both chapels are near St James’ Palace.

Canon Sykes, who has been a clergyman for 45 years, studied at Manchester University before training for the ministry.

He moved to the Oldham area in 1978 when he was inducted as vicar of Saddleworth. Married with two children, Canon Sykes retired as vicar of Oldham in 2004 after 16 years.