Blake's funeral likely to be in English village

Sir Peter Blake is likely to be buried in Emsworth, a picturesque village on the south coast of England, which is home to his family.

His wife, Lady Pippa Blake, is English-born and the couple have been based in Britain for about 20 years, although they have moved back and forth between England and New Zealand for Sir Peter's sport.

Sir Peter's friend and colleague Alan Sefton, who runs blakexpeditions from Emsworth, where he also lives, broke the tragic news to Lady Pippa after the crew of the Seamaster contacted him.

"She's devastated, but bearing up," he told the Weekend Herald.

"I think Pippa always recognised that she had married a particular type of man and that was part of the man she loved."

then went on to Dorset, where son James, 14, is at boarding school.

nteShe had flown home only last Friday after spending a month with her husband on the Seamaster.

Sir Peter's mother, Joyce, told National Radio it was typical of him to protect the crew and boat.

But although the family had got used to his life of danger at sea, this was different. "This was danger to himself personally, not just the boat."

Prime Minister Helen Clark told the Weekend Herald that the Government would respect the family's wishes regarding the funeral.

But she said that if Sir Peter were buried abroad, a memorial service in New Zealand might be appropriate.

- STAFF REPORTERS, NZPA

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