Adieu HRH Duke of Edinburgh
09/04/2021
By 2021 Joanna Hilditch
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has been a constant in all our lives. What a long life of public service and support. He has been a rock not only to the Queen, but also to all of us. We’ve respected his robustness, his views on the environment, his wicked sense of humour, his support for his whole family and the dignified way in which he has been the Royal Consort for many, many years.
To illustrate his slightly controversial sense of humour I will share a couple of stories of experiences my husband Gio and I have had with him. When Gio went to Buckingham Palace to receive a Queens Award in 2011 he met HRH Duke of Edinburgh: “So, what do you do?” “We are in high tech sat comms equipment for the military and broadcaster.” “Gosh I wish you’d come to Balmoral, we’ve got terrible problems with our Sky, when are you going to come to sort that out – all it does is go bluh bluh bluh [whilst wobbling his cheek with thumb and forefinger].”
As for me I was involved in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and my role was to present HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip a big hamper of local goodies which actually included a local free range chicken. “What on earth am I meant to do with that raw meat?” he asked. “You can’t imagine I’m going to take it home to Balmoral and cook it.”! Never afraid to say what he thought – I like that quality in a world where every sound bite has become so measured.
Adieu HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – you have been a remarkable man, and we will all miss you.
