Prince Philip: A loyal prince devoted to his queen, dead at 99
Prince Philip’s eldest son says his father would want to be remembered as an individual in his own right as Commonwealth mourns.
Senior royals have spoken of the private Prince Philip they knew, joining a nation mourning his loss.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s children say life will be “completely different without him”, revealing the depths of his life-long dedication to their mother Queen, Philip’s wife of 73 years.
“His energy was astonishing in supporting my mama, and doing it in such a long time,” Prince Charles told the BBC. “What he’s done amounts to an astonishing achievement, I think.”
“He would probably want to be remembered as an individual in his own right”.
Princess Anne, 70, said her father’s decision to give up a Royal Navy career in 1951 was a mark of loyalty to his new wife. “It shows a real understanding of the pressure the Queen was going through and that the best way he could support her was on giving up on his career,” she said.
Anne said the role of consort to the Queen evolved quite dramatically. “I don’t think the structure in terms of support to the monarchy was designed to deal with a consort,’’ she said.
“Nobody had thought about what he was going to do. And it took a while to find people who understood he had extraordinary experience and skills that they could make use of. But he also found ways he could make an impact.
“Without him life will be completely different.”
Prince Edward said his late father was “absolutely brilliant” and entertaining.
“The public image that certain parts of the media would portray was always an unfair depiction. He (Philip) used to give them as good as he got and always in a very entertaining way.
“He was always able to manage interviews and say things that the rest of always dreamed we could say. He was brilliant. Always absoulutley brilliant. He had a wonderful sense of humour but of course you can always misinterpret something or turn it against them, so it sounds like its not right. But anyone who had the privilege to hear him speak said it was his humour which always came through and the twinkle in his eye.”
Prince Edward said he would remember his father for what he had done in his public life and support and influence of so many organisations.
“My parents have been such a fantastic support to each other during all those years and all those events and all those tours and events overseas. To have someone that you confide in and smile about things that you perhaps could not in public. To be able to share that is immensely important.”
Philip was just shy of reaching his 100th birthday by 62 days. He died on Friday morning, UK time, at his home in Windsor Castle after a recent bout of ill health.
His death comes as the British public, wanting to mourn and recognise his steadfast loyalty to the crown, are still in a state of lockdown from the coronavirus pandemic.
Among a global outpouring for the royal, former US president Barack Obama hailed Philip for showing the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman.
That powerful woman, the Queen, remained in Windsor Castle throughout Friday in deep mourning for her husband of more than 73 years.
Well-wishers arrived at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace with bouquets of flowers to pay tribute to Prince Philip and send a message of support to the 94-year-old Queen, who has lost her most loyal and loving companion.
Even though the country knew that Philip had been recently hospitalised with an infection and had undergone heart surgery, there was palpable sense of sadness — and somewhat surprisingly given his health and age — even shock at his death. Many Britons, who have only ever known the monarchy to be the Queen, and with Philip one or two steps behind, are unsettled at the pace of change that coronavirus restrictions and now a royal death, have wrought.
In an outer London Middle Eastern supermarket, customers discussed how the news of Philip’s death had flattened spirits that had been buoyed at the anticipation of shops reopening next Monday after five long months. Said one middle aged man, popping seeded rolls into a paper bag: “I couldn’t believe the news on the radio, I thought he would just go on and on. I’ve got to take these home for mother’s lunch because she is too sad to eat’’.
Across television channels there was no other news, with rolling coverage of Philip’s life, read by solemn reporters in black suits, ties and scarves. Regular programming was abandoned and flags were lowered to half mast.
Westminster Abbey’s tenor bell tolled 99 times, once for each year of Philip’s life. One of the Queen’s only duties during the period of mourning is to approve various aspects of her husband’s funeral, which will be a pared back affair without the public elements in light of the continuing government Covid restrictions.
Buckingham Palace said: “During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current Government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course.
”In accordance with public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance, not to gather in crowds, and not to visit Royal residences to pay their respects.
“During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.’’
All other business of the monarchy, such as passing laws or attending any functions, is paused for 30 days. Philip’s no-fuss funeral will be announced in the coming days, but is expected to be in about a week’s time. Most of the royal family is expected to attend, including the Queen’s California-based grandson, Prince Harry, who will have to serve a five day quarantine period unless he is granted a special exemption.
The Sussexes updated their website to read: “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021.”
It adds: “Thank you for your service … you will be greatly missed.”
On Saturday across Britain, Gibraltar and at sea, there are to be a series of gun salutes where 41 rounds will be fired at one round a minute from midday — a tribute that was also used to mark the deaths of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.
The Ministry of Defence said the London gun battery will be the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which will ride out from their base at Woolwich Barracks on 71 horses. Thirty six of the horses will pull six 13-pounder field guns dating from World War I.
These same guns were fired for the marriage of the Queen to Philip in 1947 and at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.
Chief of the defence staff, General Sir Nick Carter said: “His Royal Highness has been a great friend, inspiration and role model for the armed forces and he will be sorely missed.
“The Duke of Edinburgh served among us during the Second World War, and he remained devoted to the Royal Navy and the armed forces as a whole.
“A life well lived, His Royal Highness leaves us with a legacy of indomitable spirit, steadfastness and an unshakeable sense of duty. From all of us who serve today and who have served, thank you.’’
There were tributes from world leaders throughout the day, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
But Mr Obama summed up the mood: “(Philip) also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.’’
Mr Obama said when he and his wife, Michelle met the Queen and Philip, they were immediately put at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more comfortable.
Mr Obama said: “Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humour. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.’’
The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a cabinet meeting which approved the sitting of parliament a day earlier than planned on Monday for reflections about Philip’s life.
Mr Johnson told his cabinet the nation will have the opportunity to reflect on the “life, work and legacy” of Philip — who had known 16 British prime ministers — in the days after his death.
“Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world,” Mr Johnson said.
“One of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the Second World War...
he took an ethic of service that he applied throughout the unprecedented changes of the post war era.
“Like the expert carriage driver that he was he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.
“He was an environmentalist, and a champion of the natural world long before it was fashionable.”
‘A sad and historic day’
Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip’s death on Friday night, Australian time, issuing a statement on behalf of the Queen on the Royal website: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
“Further announcements will be made in due course.
“The Royal Family joins with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/XOIDQqlFPn
The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 9, 2021
Further announcements will be made in due course.
Visit https://t.co/utgjraQQv5 to read the announcement in full.
The Queen, last seen in public at the Australian celebrations of the RAAF centenary at Runnymede on March 31, is at her favourite palace, Windsor Castle in deep mourning.
Philip’s death was announced in Australia by the Governor-General, David Hurley.
He said: “It is my solemn and melancholy duty to advise that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away this evening (AEST) in the United Kingdom.
I have informed the Prime Minister, and I understand the Government will make further announcements … in due course.’’
Mr Hurley said: “This is a sad and historic day.’’
Philip was hospitalised on February 16 for an infection, with treatment at King Edward VII’s. He then underwent a heart operation at one of the world’s most prestigious cardiac hospitals, St Bartholomew’s, on March 1. At that time, the Queen sent a loving message to her husband, wearing the same diamond brooch she wore on her engagement announcement in 1947, during a webinar encouraging people to be vaccinated.
The family is rallying around the Queen during this time of grief.
Philip was to have celebrated his 100th birthday on June 10, a date the Royal family was preparing to celebrate with a low-key gathering. Prince Harry, living in Los Angeles, had been planning to attend the birthday party and he is now expected to bring forward his travel plans to attend the funeral.
This could be a highly sensitive time given Harry’s explosive garden-side chat with Oprah Winfrey, detailing his departure from the Royal Family.
However, because of the current national lockdown to try and prevent the spread of coronavirus, the very detailed and precise funeral plans for Prince Philip – codenamed Forth Bridge – have been ripped up.
Philip didn’t want the fuss and extravaganza of a state funeral, instead electing for a military farewell at Windsor Castle and a burial in the estate near to Frogmore House.
The numbers of people who will be invited to attend the funeral have been significantly pared down because of the pandemic.
Family, friends and heads of state from Commonwealth countries, including Australia will be invited. His four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, their spouses, and his grandchildren are expected to attend, as well as some of his nine great-grandchildren.
Four years ago Princess Eugenie said of her grandfather: “I think Grandpa is incredible. He really is strong and consistent. He’s been there for all these years, and I think he’s the rock, you know, for all of us.”
Philip was born on June 10, 1921 and married Princess Elizabeth in November 1947. He has been the one reliable person upon which the Queen could steadfastly rely, and his no nonsense humour was something the nation could laugh along with.
When Philip, then known as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, married Elizabeth, he abandoned his Greek and Danish royal connections. When Elizabeth became Queen, he gave up his cherished naval career.
But he had much ancestry in common with the British monarchy. Philip’s parents were Prince Andrew of Greece and Alice of Battenberg. On his maternal side he descended from Queen Victoria’s second daughter while his father was a nephew of Edward VII’s wife, Queen Alexandria of Denmark.
By the time he died, Philip’s full title had become: His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, Baron Greenwich, Royal Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Extra Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, member of the Order of Merit, Grand Master and First and Principal Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Knight of the Order of Australia, Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand, Extra Companion of the Queen’s Service Order, Royal Chief of the Order of Logohu, Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada, Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Canadian Forces Decoration, Lord of Her Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council, Privy Councillor of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Personal Aide-de-Camp to her Majesty, Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom.
While Philip was admired for his unwavering support of the Queen, at home among the Royal Family he was the head of the household.
Governor General David Hurley said Philip had visited Australia 21 times.
“As we mourn, we should also reflect and give thanks for His Royal Highness’ lifetime of service, devotion and commitment,” he said.
“Service beginning with his time in the Royal Navy – including during the Second World War when he was mentioned in dispatches while a young sub-Lieutenant on-board HMS Valiant.
“Devotion to Her Majesty, The Queen, whom he married in 1947 and lovingly supported throughout his life, and to the entire Royal Family.
“And commitment to the Commonwealth and the many hundreds of organisations – including many here in Australia – of which he served as Patron and for whom he was a passionate advocate and supporter.
“His Royal Highness visited Australia 21 times over the years, including on each of Her Majesty’s State Visits.
“He was a popular, engaged and welcome visitor to our shores.
“His impact was profound — not least on the more than 775,000 young Australians who have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award since it began here in 1959.
“Many Australians will have a personal memory of His Royal Highness and many around the world will, in coming days, reflect on his remarkable life and legacy.
“As we reflect and remember, we think especially of Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, who have lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“On behalf of the Australian people, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty and family, the people of the Commonwealth and to all those who share in this sad news.
“We give thanks for the Duke of Edinburgh’s service, his loyal and loving devotion to Her Majesty and his commitment to Australia, The Commonwealth and all her people.
“May he Rest in Peace.’’
Publicly, Philip was lauded for his service during WWII, when aged just 17 he joined the battleship HMS Valiant, which fought in the Battle of Cape Matapan. Philip was then appointed First Lieutenant of the W-class destroyer, HMS Whelp, which was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender.
In later years his patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, encouraging youth activities, was highly acclaimed.
Philip had an inquiring mind, especially in science, industry and engineering. He was concerned about the environment for much of his life and used an electric car in the 1960s.
The Prince stood back form public duties five years ago, electing to spend his retirement at the cosy and modestly furnished Wood Farm at Sandringham, where he could indulge in his love of painting, reading, walking and an occasional pheasant shoot.
During the pandemic he isolated with the Queen and a pared-back retinue of staff at Windsor Castle.
He attended Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi last July and was honoured when Eugenie named her new baby boy August Philip.
Also last July, Philip made a rare public appearance, attending a ceremony in the Windsor Castle quadrangle to hand over Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, a position he had held for the past 67 years, to the Duchess of Cornwall.
Amid rousing wishes of “fair winds and following seas”, Philip then joked with the riflemen.
Up until the beginning of the pandemic, Philip was occasionally spotted indulging in another of his great loves — carriage riding — in the Windsor Castle grounds, sometimes with granddaughter Lady Louise.
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