Friends and Family Pay Tribute to Bishop Andrew at Moving Funeral Service

Published on: 25 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 26 Mar, 2026

Monday’s service of thanksgiving for the life of Bishop Andrew

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Guildford Cathedral on Monday (March 23) and across satellite services to give thanks for the life of the Bishop, the Rt Rev’d Andrew Watson, who died from cancer on March 3.

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The service included heartfelt tributes from members of Bishop Andrew’s family, offering a touching and humorous glimpse into his childhood and home life, including his competitive card playing, his love of bargains and his passion for wildlife photography.

Bishop Andrew: He had chosen many of the hymns and readings

The sermon, delivered by his long‑time friend, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, spoke movingly of Bishop Andrew’s unwavering and joyful faith and the inspiration he offered to so many —especially in the face of his illness and untimely death.

The service was attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally.

Many of the hymns and readings had been chosen by Bishop Andrew, including “All Creatures of Our God and King”, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”, and “In Christ Alone”.

The Cathedral Choir led moving mass settings, among them Agnus Dei, composed by Bishop Andrew himself.

The Bishop of Dorking, the Right Reverend Paul Davies, presided at the service, and it was opened by Dean Bob Cooper, who reminded people that “we have gathered not only in grief, but in the faith that Andrew proclaimed and embodied: that life is stronger than death, and love is stronger than the grave.”

In addition to family and friends, attendees included Church of England bishops, lead representatives from other faiths including Archbishop Richard Moth, leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, clergy from the Diocese of Guildford and beyond, representatives from the global Anglican church and civic leaders from Surrey and Hampshire.

The Archbishop of Canterbury gave the final blessing before the coffin was led out of the Cathedral for a private committal.

A recording of the funeral remains available online for those unable to join the congregation.