The life of Sir Stirling Moss honoured at Abbey

Wednesday, 8th May 2024

Stirling Moss Order of Service and Medals

HRH Duke of Kent, representing HM The King, and HRH Prince Michael of Kent attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir Stirling Moss at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th May 2024.

They were joined in the congregation by former Formula 1 racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart, representing HRH The Princess Royal; and by The Duke and Duchess of Richmond.

Ahead of the service, a selection of some of the most famous cars piloted by Sir Stirling Moss were positioned outside the Abbey to demonstrate his remarkable career. The display included the iconic Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘722’, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, and a Mercedes-Benz W 196.

Born in London in 1929, Sir Stirling Moss became one of the most famous Britons of his generation. He is celebrated as perhaps the greatest all-round racing car driver of any era, and was known as much for his sportsmanship as his skill on the track.

‘Movement is tranquility’

The Service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his bidding:

‘We remember the competitor who was ever the gentleman. We recall his rare talent and courage; that compelling ability that made him excel on the race track. ‘Movement is tranquillity’ he said, and lived out a long life with an eager urgency. We grieve for our loss as we celebrate all that he gave us. Here we will pray for those family members and friends who feel that loss most deeply and we will commend Stirling Moss to the God in whom we all have our beginning and our end.’

About the service

At the start of the service, Sir Stirling’s racing helmet, his Monaco trophy and his British Racing Drivers’ Club Gold Stars were borne through the Abbey by British former racing driver Damon Hill, and placed on the High Altar.

Sir Jackie Stewart and motor sports journalist Simon Taylor read tributes.

Sir Stirling’s son, Elliot Moss, read a personal letter written to him by his father, which included the words:

‘The Stars, to me, symbolise all I ever wanted to achieve. Look at the Stars, my son, and know you can do it too.’

Charles Shields read Ecclesiasticus 44:1-7, 14-15; and The Duke of Richmond, President of the Royal Automobile Racing Club, read Galatians 6:1-10.

The Dean gave the Address.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Mark Birch, Canon of Westminster and Precentor; and said by British racing driver Derek Bell; and by the Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence.

The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, directed by Peter Holder, Sub-organist. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, and before the service by George Herbert.