Like millions of other people Geordie and I felt inexpressibly sad to hear the news of the death of HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh: sad above all for HM The Queen and her family but also for the loss of such a presence and beacon of energy in national life.
What an extraordinary man and how many lives he touched in such a personal way. He was of a generation forged in war and post war trials yet always turned a challenge around to find what was positive and could be done, not with pomp but with action. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme exemplifies the personal test and resilience offered by trying to do something different, to achieve, to gain confidence and to be recognised for that achievement. The stories and quiet acknowledgment of the great benefits of this programme have poured into all forms of media over the last weekend.
With the clarity of loss, the value of Prince Philip’s personal and public life stand in front of us all. Courageous and calm, his deep intrinsic belief in putting aside your own needs to look after others defined his actions. His interests were widespread from writing, painting, carriage driving and travel to researching the pageantry of the natural world with his own eyes in order to create “programmes” of research and plans of action to persuade us all that we need to change our behaviour. Keen to understand progress in science and engineering, Prince Philip read widely and happily provoked debates on any number of subjects whilst continuing to challenge himself at every level, matching action to words.
Focused ahead of time on conservation and care of the landscape, inspiring and practical, he was an extraordinary man who never failed to charm, using the oft quoted British humour to prick complacency and break down barriers. From his work to his hobbies, his ability to put everyone he met at ease and even his barbecuing skills, he could turn his hand to most things and, more importantly, was willing to try.
“The conservation of nature, the proper care for the human environment and a general concern for the long-term future of the whole of our planet are absolutely vital if future generations are to have a chance to enjoy their existence on this earth.” Prince Philip, Canberra 1970
Always looking outwards, in summer 1958 The Duke challenged my father-in-law to a cricket match here at Highclere in aid of the National Playing Fields (a practical cause that contributed long standing benefits to young people). Needless to say it was competitive and each side pulled in a “dream team” of well-known players. Later on, Geordie, only just born at this point, joined and supported this charity. The Queen and Prince Phillip returned here to watch a further match in 1994: it was the first South African cricket tour after the end of apartheid and again it was for the same charity. Team spirit, challenges and doing something to help others.
A ball hit for six whistled rather close…
What has been a great joy over the last few days has been the myriad of photographs of the intimate glances and laughter shared in the journey of his life with HM The Queen. We can only look with humility at the tolerance, resolve and grace they exhibit and hope and know that, as part of his legacy, his family will find that “still small voice of calm” over these sad days.
To quote from the poem “If”:
“If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.”
He led by example and encouraged us all to do the same.
Instagram
Lady Carnarvon, how wonderful the Queen and Prince Philip visited Highclere Castle. Being a long time admirer of the Royal Family, I will miss this incredible and devoted man. Cheryl
What a beautiful tribute!
Beautifully written. Thank you for that thoughtful piece. There are many here in the US that are mourning this loss with you.
Such a wonderful tribute, thank you.
Prince Philip was such a forward thinker and cared very deeply for our planet, his legacy will live on forever.
What a wonderful and caring man, husband and father, grandfather he was.
R.I.P HRH Prince Philip.
❤️
Beautiful tribute to a complex, facinating man. As always, Lady Carnarvon, expressed in a lovely, touching way. You are a gifted writer.
Lovely commentary…thank you!
A beautiful tribute!!!❤️
Thank you for this.
Love the last picture! A perfect goodbye…
This may sound stupid, but I cried like I’d lost my own father when I heard the news of Prince Philip’s death. My condolences to the Queen, his Family, all the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth nations, and all those who mourn around the world on his passing.
It brings back deep loss for us all – and unites us
What an excellent writing you have given us today Lady Carnarvon. Iso enjoyed your sharing about the Prince’s ties to Highclere Castle.
The world has lost a truly remarkable gentleman. He gave his life in service and love of his wife, the Queen. His life was never about him but what he did for others, a humble servant.
Sharing in your sadness from across the pond….
Thank you
Such lovely words. An amazing man and an amazing life story. I so feel for the Queen and the family. No matter how high a station you are in life a death of a loved one puts us all on an even plain. RIP HRH. Thank you Lady C for always providing such interesting stories.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We send our condolences to you and all the British people and those of the Commonwealth. Your national loss is profound and we, worldwide, have all been blessed with the work of the Duke of Edinburgh. I had the privilege of meeting The Princess Royal in 2019 and was struck then, as now, in how she reminded me of her father, whom I never had the honor of meeting. Their hard-working, plain-speaking manner was similar and most impressive. We continue to think of you all at this time of loss.
Good Morning Lady Carnarvon, your tribute to H.R.H the Duke of Edinburgh, is just so touching. He truly was sent here on a mission, and filled out to the end. Excellent Husband,great father, wonderful grandfather, and proud great grandfather. But most of all firm and loving support for the Queen. What more can we ever ask from one person, and watch him fill the task, with such style and grace. R.I.P H.R.H. Desiree Creary.
I have a work colleague who benefitted from The Duke of Edinburgh Award, and says it made all the difference in his life. He came to my university convocation in 1985 and was a charming speaker. Just knowing he was there doing the work that benefitted so many for so long was a great comfort during global distress. He will be greatly missed and I’m not sure we’ll ever see another man of his caliber.
Good Morning,
When a Legend like he passes on, for me the world seems to stand still.
You never think of him in such away that you did when he was alive.
This is when memories, of such a icon shine more vividly, his closeness nearer, and his worth to the world, the Kingdom, and humanity becomes priceless!
Regards,
John L. Roberts
Tonawanda, N.Y.
U.S.A
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
That was a beautifully written tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, I also immediately thought of our poor Queen & how utterly devastated she must be – she’s literally lost half of herself.
I had my 2nd Covid vaccination yesterday, but I’m still going to wear my mask whenever I go out, I rather like hiding behind it!
I hope all goes well as the Lockdown restrictions begin to ease, & I hope you’ll soon be able to greet your loving public – I wish you & everyone @ Highclere a safe & happy Spring.
Yours,
Caroline x
Thank you for this wonderful testimony to The Duke of Edinburgh.
I hope Her Majesty will read it. I know she would be very touched.
Whitefish, MT
So beautifully put Your Ladyship. He will be missed . I certainly looked up to him and very much respected him and his values. The DofE award programme was only one of the amazing contributions HRH gave to us. God bless him and may he rest in eternal peace. I hope his truffles crop well this year out if respect for his passing! That would undoubtedly please him.
Take care and my very best to you and Lord Carnarvon.
Lovely article. Thank you for sharing.
What a great loss for all. This day we all need joy in our lives. We all need a nice picnic like the old days. Relaxing. Thank you..
He is the greatest generation.
Thank you so much for sharing your very poignant thoughts on this grand gentleman. I pray for HM in this time of great loss.
Carolyn
I, too, though American, was saddened by the death of HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh. After reading all the memories of those who knew him, it is evident that HRH filled his minutes with many wonderful causes that will no doubt continue to benefit the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, as well as, the entire world. What an amazing legacy he leaves. My heart is heavy for Her Majesty, the Queen. I am quite sure there will be void in her life. If anything good has come from this pandemic, it might be that during the time of quarantine, that Her Majesty and HRH were able to spend, hopefully an abundance, of quality time together during this last year.
Sympathy and prayers of peace being sent to The Royal Family and the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
What a remarkable man. We’ve only seen glimpses of this gentleman during his long life. How I wish we could have known all the amazing things he did during his 99 years on this earth. May he rest in the eternal sleep of peace.
What a wonderful written piece.
As J. M. Barrie wrote:
God gave us memory, so we would have roses in December.
Wonderful, personal tribute to a remarkable human being. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the British people and the Commonwealth.
May his memory always be a blessing to those who loved and admired him.
Respectfully,
Michael and Joan
It doesn’t matter how old the person is, The LOSS to the family leaves a void. My condolences to HER MAJESTY . How awful…after all these years to lose your spouse.
My deepest condolences on the loss of HRH Prince Phillip. He truly was an influence to many and certainly built a legacy which most could not follow. What a blessed long life he lead.
Thank you
Thank you for those kind words of memory of Prince Philip. I wasn’t aware of his driving until now. He was quite competitive as would be expected. He was an amazing person.
A wonderful tribute for a remarkable man. We could all learn from him.
We all feel his loss but not more than the Queen. I pray that she stays strong which is so hard to do. Thank you for this lovely tribute, Lady Carnarvon.
Fondly,
Diana Squibb
How sad to see the dark clouds over Highclere and the flag at half mast. Deepest sympathy to all for the loss of HRH Prince Philip.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
he was truly a man of our time, his outlook on life was very similar to my Dad’s who died some years ago now, and as contemporaries, if in different social spheres, their lives were of the same era, so I understood and respected him as I did my Dad. Seeing my Mum having to pick herself up and carry on, was incredibly tough as the loss was just so huge, and I can only imagine that Her Majesty the Queen must be lost in a huge void that will take so many years to fill, and even then there will always be a place that will be eternally Philip’s.
I met him once, incredibly briefly back in the 90’s. I had been introduced to HM the Queen, and we chatted for a bit longer than we were supposed to (we hit on a mutual topic and got carried away) so when HRH Philip came into view he commented on the “hold up” I’d caused, grunted, shook my hand and moved on rather quickly! Sir Chris Bonington was with him and threw me a mischievous look as if to say “you cooked your goose there!” A moment in time I will never forget, and I feel privileged to have had 10 seconds of his time. It was an honour to be told off by him (exactly as my Dad would have done).
Jane Bentley
Totally agree. The Queen and Prince Philip were a stunning team for so many years. Their untiring service will go down in history as perfectly judged and faultlessly carried out. A lot of people were working behind the scenes to keep the wheels oiled, but they must have been fully engaged, too. They gave out little personal signs and encouragements that no one knows about, all along the way. I know as I encountered them both, in Oxford, on a street corner, once (they were in the royal car) and in spite of my latent student republicanism, I have been a monarchist ever since. I hope many more young people sign up for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award it, as a result of his passing, because it is clearly enriching. All Prince Philip’s interests were so inspiring – and for all age groups too. A Renassiance Man. The Queen will miss him.
Your picture of Prince Philip walking away with his hat raised said a thousand words. I felt very emotional. RIP Sir.
Wonderful photo
Of course I didn’t know Prince Philip personally, but from what I learned from the articles, documentaries, and news coverage over the years is that he did his always remained true to himself: He was fiercely loyal to his country, his wife the Queen, and his opinions, telling it like it is. He never shied away from telling the truth! I admired him very much for the courage he had to speak his mind and be himself, all the while living his life of service. That must have kept the fun in it for him!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
A most beautiful, fitting tribute to a humble, gracious, intelligent man who indeed led by example. Inspiration is found in those who work tirelessly for the greater good, looking for the positive in everything. His humor, energy, and yes, barbecuing skills, intrigued us all, and his tireless work for the environment will live on.
God bless his family. May their memories and love bring them peace.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
I had one of the most amazing moments of my young life in 1967, Canada’s 100th anniversary of Confederation. My chums and I were 11 years old and my mother had a plan for us to perhaps be “noticed” by the Royal Couple as they proceeded down the streets of Kingston Ontario. She dressed us in costumes of the period, and squeezed us to the front of the spectators. We were so excited when we saw them approaching. The Queen passed us by but Prince Philip smiled and stopped. He remarked on how elegant we looked for this grand occasion to celebrate our country and he shook all our hands. We almost fainted! He was a great man but thoughtful and kind enough to notice the little things too. We all feel this loss.
A truly beautiful tribute to Prince Philip. Condolences to all especially the Queen.
Prince Phillip and The Queen were married for 73 years. How blessed they were!!!
Greetings again Lady Carnarvon,
I anticipated with eagerness that you would pen a lovely tribute to the passing of HRH Prince Phillip on your Monday blog given his passing Friday past. Remarkable life and lifespan he endured half prior to and half after marrying the love of his life. Heart and prayers go out to HRH The Queen as she faces a new and another challenging chapter in her life going forward as does her family and all of British society and the Commonwealth. As one of your Monday bloggers wrote prior to me, I do hope that HRH The Queen will receive a copy of your lovely remembrance and tribute of Prince Phillip as she will gain warmth and comfort from your written words. Best of luck to all going forward and prayers going out for staying safe from Covid and it fading away sooner than later.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your loving tribute to HRH Prince Phillip. He truly did lead by example and was an inspiration to all of us. He and Her Majesty the Queen are very much loved and respected not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. Their humble and gracious manner endear them to us all. May God bless the Queen with many more years; the world needs her.
Lovely, thank you Lady Carnarvon.
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
HRH PRINCE PHILIP, A TRULY GREAT MAN. CHEERFUL, ALWAYS HAPPY.
VILLA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRAZIL
Lovely commentary, Thank you
Thank you for this and the lovely photos.
An elegant tribute! I’ve always appreciated and supported his environmental beliefs. He seemed to be quite a colorful gentleman too. The phrase you used, “inexpressibly sad” is exactly how I feel for Her Majesty.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a lovely tribute to a marvelous man. We here in the States will miss his calm presence. I was born the year Her Majesty and the Duke were married, so unlike a parade of presidents, we have only known The Queen and the Duke. I have always found it reassuring in these troubled times in our own country the institutional memories they carried with them.We are poorer today without the Prince. My husband joins me in extending deepest sympathies to you and Lord Carnarvon and her Majesty’s family and friends at this sad end of an era. A life well lived and inspirational to us all.
An inspirational and honorable man.
A person whom, through your own kind words we are able to learn from and try and make our world a better place.
I. N. Curtis
North Carolina, US
May the life and example of Prince Philip serve as inspiration for the present generation and the future!
Muharrem Shqarri
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful person, I was lucky to meet him many years ago when he visited my village, whilst it was a fleeting moment, it made my day that HRH Prince Philip had taken time to speak to me. I am very proud of our Royal family. My deepest sympathy goes to them.
A beautiful tribute. Having read your books and been in your home seeing family photos, I know what a great loss this is for your family as well. The Queen has lost her two best friends, one last Friday and the other on Sept 11, 2001. Thank you reminding us of those well-lived lives.
Lady Carnarvon,
What a heartfelt and loving tribute to a man of both family and nation. Prince Phillip was an example of a supportive and devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather and great-grandfather whose life, though royal, was also one with which all people could find some similarities.
Your choice of pictures, from wedding to what might be one of a ‘hats off to life,’ shows the dignity he left with us and with which he led his place in Great Britain.
Thank you again from an admirer of the Royal family and you. Your posting always warms my Anglophile heart.
Martha G
You said it all. Thank you.
As an American (with British heritage) I have always followed the Royal family and have been mesmerized by the history and the romance of the Royals. When I heard of Prince Philip’s passing I wept with total sadness, not only for the Queen and the Royal family, but for the world overall. His death signifies the end of an era of greatness that we shall never see again. My heart is sad and heavy for the Queen who has lost her soul mate. I guess my interest in the Royals started at an early age as my mother’s ancestry is British, hence my fascination and interest. My only regret is I’ve never been able to meet any of them. So, thank you Lady Carnarvon For such a wonderful article and tribute. I love that poem. And the tipping of his hat, to me, was his final farewell. RIP Prince Philip.
Thank you Lady Caernarvon for this moment to pause and recollect an amazing journey that her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip has shared so beautifully written thank you…..
I recently heard someone recite the last stanza of When Great Trees Fall by Maya Angelou. It’s lovely and I am reminded of it now.
Thank you for such a lovely tribute to HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
I can’t help but personally feel the loss as well…….my father is 99, as was Prince Phillip, my mother is the same age as the Queen….and they were married in 1947. So many things in common; this has made me appreciate each day I have with my parents even more than ever. Time is precious and limited with every day a gift.
Virginia, USA
One can never know how silent a room is until one becomes a widow- no matter the age. When the person who is a part of oneself dies, the world stops suddenly. My heartfelt sympathy went to HM Queen Elizabeth at this time.
Thank you for the beautiful memoir of pleasant times in his life; he did overcome challenges, too. May his memory be for a blessing for his family, friends and all who loved/respected him.
Thank you Ida
What lovely sentiments about an extraordinary life. Although a lot of our impression of the Royal Family here in the US comes from the media, both as fiction and non fiction accounts, it is difficult not to conclude that being a Royal is a difficult and challenging life and it seems they must give up so much of their own selves for the good of the country and a path they may not necessarily have chosen. Prince Phillip handled life with grace and dignity. So sorry for your loss and especially that he was so close to his hundreth birthday but did not get to celebrate.
May his memory be eternal!
The dashing and handsome young Prince Phillip was my very first love. Aged just 4, I remember my mother had a commemorative tea caddy with photographs of the Queen and Prince Phillip on different sides. I was totally enamoured of the handsome young prince, and each time I went into the kitchen I would climb up on a stool, to take down the tea caddy, and give Prince Phillip a kiss.
Farewell, my first love. Rest in peace. Thank you for all you gave to our country, and your steadfast support of our beloved Queen.
Very sweet story!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
A beautiful tribute to a man of grace and integrity. He will be missed as a light has now gone out for the a royal family,the country as well as the world. May God bless him and give comfort to his family and all feels his loss.
The Duke of Edinburgh, like my own father, was one of the heroes of World War II. They are almost all gone now and my Father is nearly 96 years old. It saddens me when one of them dies. Prince Phillip has been a staple of my entire life along with Her Majesty the Queen. May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to HRH Prince Philip. He was a great ambassador for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. I think he definitely would agree that your final photo of him tipping his hat was poignant and so appropriate. May he rest in peace.
A beautiful article and a wonderful man who loved his wife and family.
Lisa Cosgrove
Bolingbrook IL
“Good night, sweet Prince, and angels sing thee to thy rest”.
I realise ,with sadness, that it seems only yesterday I was so excited on his wedding day.
A beautiful tribute..thank you for sharing it with your readers. Eloquently as always.
Turning on the tv and seeing every one in black, I had a feeling akin to watching Notre Dame burn, when I heard Prince Phillip had died.
He lived to a great age and how fortunate have the Queen been in having his steadfast support for most of her life.
I feel her loss keenly..
How strange to be left behind after so many years, after life and marriage has fused them together. It is sometimes difficult to know where oneself ends and the other begin, with shared values, common experiences and memories.
With the Queen also being of advanced years, it seems impossible that the end of an era is drawing ever closer. I think the whole world will weep, HRH Queen Elizabeth, has somehow managed to become Queen of the entire world.
Stoic wise calm leadership when the world is tossing on stormy seas, HRH supported by her beloved husband of so many years.
What a legacy.
(Although I’m shocked at the ignorance of some of the younger generation taking their history lessons from the Crown,and the headlines in the tabloids..
I told an 18 year old -who was rather disinterested- that prince Phillip was the same age when he joined the airforce to fight to protect the country and help the UK’s allies)
Sorry about the rant at the end.
Vivian
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
It is extremely moving to read so many beautifully written tributes to Prince Philip, lead by your own heartfelt homage.
What an incredible life, Prince Philip lead – from being born into Greek and Danish Royalty (purportedly) on a kitchen table in Corfu, being evacuated from Greece as a one year old in a makeshift cot made from an old orange box, to living in exile with members of his family in France, coping with his parents’ separation and his mother’s (wrongful) detention in an asylum to her founding of an Order of Nuns, his attendance at schools in France, Germany and Scotland, coming under the care of his maternal uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten, serving the Royal Navy with distinction (his service being mentioned in dispatches back to 1941), his career and command as a Naval Officer, his betrothal to the then Princess Elizabeth, renouncing his Greek and Danish citizenship and titles, to becoming a British citizen, a Knight of the Garter and the Duke of Edinburgh, relinquishing his Naval career to become the Queen’s consort and a ‘Royal servant’ to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, being a father of four children, to being Patron, President or member of over 800 charities and organisations, the establishment and support of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, his decades of public service that only came to an end when he was 96 and then only due to failing health, his continued devotion to his wife, Her Majesty the Queen and family, his hobbies and interests, including (as you have mentioned above) his enjoyment of both carriage driving and Land Rovers, his support of cricket and his dry wit, which his daughter, the Princess Royal, has recently described with such delight.
Prince Philip also had a special relationship with Australia, having visited here more than any other member of the Royal Family. In total Prince Philip travelled to Australia on 20 occasions over 72 years — with and without the Queen.
In Canberra, on the forecourt of Parliament House, a 41 gun salute took place on Saturday afternoon in honour and memory of Prince Philip.
Prince Philip’s life was one of devotion and support to his wife, the Queen, and of great public service, which he performed with modesty and grace.
I am in awe of all that Prince Philip was able to achieve and for doing so with such humility. He specifically did not want a State funeral or to even lay in state, as have previous Royal consorts.
Such humility defines the man and evokes the words of Shakespeare:
“His life was gentle, and the elements mixed so well in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man!’ “
Vale Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Rest In Peace.
Jeffery Sewell
How wonderful! Who won?
I will look!
What a lovely tribute. The flag at half over the house in the lead picture says it all.
Sincerely
Bill McFarlane
What a beautiful sentiment. Thank you for sharing during this sad time.
Thank you Patsy the clocks have stopped, as Auden wrote perhaps for the Queen and his family :
“He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest, ..”
I lost my husband of 48 years 16 months ago so I can empathize with anyone who has lost a loved one. I have a deeper understanding now how it feels.
My sincere condolences to all members of the the Royal Family.
I’m originally from England, now living in the USA, I displayed my Union Jack proudly this week.
How kind
Your tribute is so beautifully written. Being Canadian there is a connection to the Crown that those not in the Commonwealth of Nations find hard to understand.
A time for reflection on a life of service well lived.
The Commonwealth is of huge value – it is about getting to know each other. An extraordinary couple led the way
Lady Carnarvon – BEAUTIFUL!!! You have said it all! I have always admired the Royal Family. In fact as a child I had “paper dolls” of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose”. Adored playing with them. I pray Queen Elizabeth will, with God’s help, continue her “Reign”, knowing how loved and admired she and the Duke were those many, many years. A beautiful, special woman. We will never experience Royalty like this ever again. May God watch over her and protect her!
Bcck to the old hymns :
“Our strength and refuge,
Our present help in trouble;”
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Like you I have a heavy heart and emotions which are hard to contain after hearing of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. My prayers are with Her Majesty and her family in what must be a difficult time for them.
If nothing else the Duke was a colourful figure, never short of a quip about anything but a man who dedicated his life to Her Majesty, his family, Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Prince Phillip leaves behind a legacy which few of us could hope to achieve, a legacy which clearly shows the fibre of the man and the quiet unassuming way he introduced and supported programs which benefited so many people. He was a man of the people and for the people, a man who could relate to every level of society and who treated everyone alike.
Once in a lifetime we will see a man of his greatness, humility and endearing sense of humour. I have been privileged in my lifetime to have seen such a man pass by. For me his biggest legacy was his loving support for The Queen and his family and the way he took little and gave such a lot. His life should be an example to us all.
Vale Prince Phillip
Joy Roebig
Honour Humour Humility
A beautiful tribute to our HRH Prince Philip. An amazing man. My heart goes out to our Queen.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of HRH Prince Philip. It’s truly a loss to the world, and so many did not know how much he was quietly contributing.
There will definitely be a void.
I loved the pictures and stories you chose. In such a difficult circumstance, I had a chuckle over the cricket match between the two teams.
You used a favourite photo of the Prince as the final one…so fitting, tipping his hat in his departure. It had a strong effect.
Be well, and thank you again for your words.
A lovely tribute to an amazing man!.
Lady Carnarvon your beautiful tribute moved me as most everything you do exudes such grace snd elegance. Thank you for sharing your thoughts at this time of worldwide grieving for HRH Prince Philip.
God Bless the United Kingdom and the Royal Family during this sad time.
Downton Abbey fan from Wisconsin…..
So elegantly written! A beautiful tribute to your Prince! My heart is sad for the Queen! I hope her memories will give her strength to bear the coming days ahead! I remember when my father died, the hardest part was the funeral. I did not want to share or have my grief on display! The whole world will be watching her! She has my greatest admiration! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Such a lovely and inspiring tribute . . . thank you.
Lady Carnarvon,
For a man who had to give up his own royal titles and the military, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh showed the utmost sense of duty to the Crown. Their love story is a model to us all. He rose from his own childhood adversity to become Her Majesty’s “constant strength and guide.” The steps he walked behind the Queen in public did not reflect their true relationship.
I had not known of HRH Prince Philip’s life-long commitment to the environment and conservation until I read some of the information about his life and interests on the Royal Family web-site this week-end. It is a great shame the world did not heed his advice and warning in the 1970 speech you quoted in your lovely piece. The Earth would be a healthier place. Fortunately, Prince Philip passed his environmental interests on to his son, Prince Charles, and grand-son, Prince William.
Your final photo of Prince Philip brings tears to my eyes.
His passing is a great loss to The Queen, to his family, to his country, and to the world.
May he rest in peace and light.
Thank you from Canada for your lovely tribute, and for sharing your memories.
Dear Lady Carnarvon;
Thank you for your Monday blog and beautiful tribute to Prince Philip.
Out hearts and prayers go out to the Royal Family, the citizens of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.
Until next Monday.
Perpetua Crawford
You always speak so beautifully in all your blogs but this one is the most beautiful.
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you so much for the tribute you have paid to HRH the Prince Philipp, and what a lesson this marvelous couple is teaching us. My thoughts and prayers are with your Queen, who is probably devastated by this loss. May HRH the Duke of Edinburgh rest in peace. Vous nous manquerez Monsieur.
Catherine, a fan from France
I have read many tributes written for His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, yours Lady Carnarvon is truly fitting and most poignant, written from the heart.
As it is said, to feel loss you must first love.
Your kind words are very touching.
A beautiful tribute! My parents were married 75 years so understand some what how the Queen must feel. My mother felt lost. Thanks for sharing the pictures. They were a dear couple and I was happy for them.
Thank you Lady Carnavon for expressing what so many of us find hard to put on paper.
I am a gold DoE award holder and I remember going to Buckingham palace and being presented to the prince. He was wonderful and I felt like the only person in the room when we spoke.
He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and reminds me of my father who also upheld those english gentleman values.
I’m a brit over the pond so I feel the loss as much as anyone.
Condolences to you and all who knew and loved him, he was definitely one of a kind.
Agreed – he made life fun
Lady Carnarvon,
A lovely tribute to a lovely man. Our hearts are with HM the Queen and the family, whom loved him so much; as the rest of the world . An example as a man of family. This is a wonderful story. May his light continue to shine.
Thanks for a wonderful tribute to Prince Phillip and for the Kipling quote – “If” has been a favorite of mine for years and your excerpt is most fitting.
Amen. RIP Prince Philip.
A wonderful tribute to a remarkable man. He was admired throughout the Commonwealth and had a special connection to Australia. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We send our deepest condolences to HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, to you and yours and to all the people of the United Kingdom. I wish I had known earlier what you eloquently conveyed and what was elaborated on in a PBS special today. As HRH the Duke of Edinburgh served so quietly and humbly, some of us in the USA are just beginning to appreciate all he did to make the United Kingdom and the planet a better place. We shall keep HRH Queen Elizabeth in our thoughts and prayers.
Beautifully written Lady Carnarvon. Your words echo us all.
I love the speach Her Majesty the Queen gave in 1997 on their Golden Wedding Anniversary that ‘he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know’.
I think that we have been finding out, since his death, just how great a debt we owe him.
RIP Prince Philip
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to HRH Prince Philip. I am so sad for the Queen and was shocked by Prince Philip’s passing even though his was an excellent 99 years old! I loved his candor and how he supported his wife. My prayers go to the Prince and his family. I love the Queen who I had a dream of a couple of weeks ago. I felt honored.
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt email,
Susan
Beautiful words Lady Carnarvon about an Amazing man. My heart breaks for HM The Queen, a man who she has been married to for 73 years and known for 82, such a sad and difficult time my deepest and whole hearted prayers are with The Queen and all her family.
Thank you for sharing this.
Luke.
Lady Carnarvon, along with yourself, Prince Philip’s family has given him such beautiful tributes. They loved him so very much. Cheryl
Beautiful tribute he will be so missed by us all we hold him in our hearts forever wonderful memories you have . God be with the queen condolence to all the royal family .x
I am so sorry to hear of HRH Prince Phillip passing. He lived a long and fruitful life. I am sure the Queen appreciates you for the remembrance. A very handsome man. Don’t you agree? And HRH Queen Elizabeth a beautiful woman. Both to be admired.
May he rest in peace.
Blessings to you.
Phyllis Simpson, USA
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing is a great loss for many. Your blog gave me an insight into the man he was and the good he did for so many. His presence in our world will to be forgotten.
Dear Lady Carvarvon,
I grieve with you and your nation for the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He was a very steadfast figure for HM and the country. I will remember fondly of the time I was fortunate to be working at the hotel they stayed at in Hawaii during a brief vacation in the 70’s. I was standing a mere 8 feet away from the Queen and Prince Phillip as they were leaving to attend a dinner with Hawaii’s governor. The Queen was relaxed, petite, and pretty in a long dress, and Prince Phillip was so tall and handsome. I will always cherish that memory.
God bless the Queen and Country and the Commonwealth, and you.
Sincerely,
Ada
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I thank you for this sincere and loving tribute to a man who stood tall all his life and represented
his country and his Queen with dignity and sincere devotion. I have loved seeing the pictures this week of the young couple together. My heart breaks for Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and all of the family.
May Prince Philip rest in peace with The Lord.
Such BEAUTIFUL words and a WONDERFUL tribute❤️
Lady Carnarvon, I am for sure going to watch the coverage of Prince Philip’s funeral. I have surprised myself as the tears are already flowing for the Prince. It no doubt will be very emotional tomorrow for myself and so many others. Cheryl
It was so beautifully carried out
Lady Carnarvon, it was such a touching funeral, shed a few tears. Be at rest Prince Philip.
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for your lovely piece about Prince Philip. A love story for the ages, and a story of duty and selflessness as well. As an American who was born to an English mother, I’ve always loved the Royal Family and followed them closely. I admire the Queen and feel for her as she bears her deep loss with such quiet dignity. Princess Eugenie’s letter to “Grandpa” keeps bringing tears to my eyes. She ends it with, “Thank you for your dedication and love for us all and especially Granny, who we will look after for you.”
Thank you for sharing and Greetings from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. Someday, I will come visit your wonderful place. It is on my bucket list.
A moving tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you for giving us new insight. I, too, was saddened to hear of his passing.
I was blessed to see HRH Prince Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2013. He was driving a carriage with four horses. Mum, who is a horsewoman, said, “What he is doing is called ‘four in hand.'” That was the only time I saw him, but we had front row seats, so it was an incredible experience.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a wonderful moving tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. I cannot even begin to imagine the sorrow that Her Majesty is now going through ;after losing her beloved life long love and husband.
“Let my scars leave brilliant traces” Cindy Lou Johnson. Written about great loss, and expressing that when mourning someone , if that process deepens and enlightens us in some way, then the painful journey has indeed been a worthy one leaving us better and stronger.
May God bless Her Majesty and Her family always.
Jossie Eaquijarosa