https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11437314 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11437314)
Poor old beggar, didn't quite make it to getting a telegram from his missus.
Best known for his service to the Crown, Her Majesty, the country. Good innings. Best known for his infamous quips
Absolutely awful news. My heart goes out to Her Majesty. His Royal Highness served his adopted country with loyalty and distinction.
Thank You, Sir.
JF
I hope that the grandchildren can put any issues aside and just be there to support HMtQ. The mere thought of losing my partner of ~20 years scares me witless. I can't imagine what HMtQ will be going through, but I'll bet she doesn't show it.
Sadly, I think C-19 will prevent a public laying in State. I would've loved the chance to pay my sincere respects to a great man - flawed, yes, but a great man still. And to the people of Ni-Vanuatu, a God.
RIP Your Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh
Had the pleasure of meeting him, very briefly twice. Once at the Royal Tournament where my standing to attention in the corridor leading to the Royal box was acknowledge with a nod.
The second time I was based on the Visiting Aircraft Section at RAF Leeming, bedecked in white VIP overalls for his arrival on a BAE146. Standing at the foot of the steps after landing we were accorded a thank you. When we were doing the see-off, I did my usual of hauling out the nose wheel chocks with my right hand and chucking up a casual left hand salute and go to the cockpit. Imagine my surprise when I realised he was sitting in the cockpit looking down at me. At least he smiled. ::)
A great servant to HM, their family, the country, Commonwealth and lets not forget the tens of thousands of young folks his DoE scheme has helped over the decades.
They are currently updating the website with details of any ceremonies.
8 days of morning until the funeral takes place apparently.
https://www.royal.uk/ (https://www.royal.uk/)
Very sad to see.
I always had the greatest admiration for the Prince, not least for being one of the less dysfunctional members of the family. A wonderful innings by the man and my heart goes out to his nearest and dearest.
Quote from: RailGooner on April 09, 2021, 02:05:17 PM
Sadly, I think C-19 will prevent a public laying in State.
He asked not to have a state funeral ... said he didn't want "all that fuss".
Here's what I posted on my facebook:
Today we lost a great man, who exemplified the concept of "service".
Born into Greek royalty, his family had to flee his country when he was just a boy, and settled in England. He served in the Royal Navy and saw action in the second world war - ironically, in the desperate Naval campaigns to save Greece. His native country may have forsaken him, but he did not forsake his native country!
He married a princess who was not expected to ascend the throne when she was born, but by the time they married she was the heir apparent. He fathered the traditional "heir and a spare" for her, and then some ... and when she became Queen he settled into the most difficult role on the planet - that of Prince Consort. And for 69 years he loyally and dutifully performed that role, performing many public duties, and always supporting Her Majesty to the best of his ability.
I met him just once - in 1980 when my secondary school, the first of the Henry Morris community colleges - celebrated its 50th anniversary of opening. We all paraded on the lawn outside the Morris Wing, and the Duke of Edinburgh "inspected the troops". The three storey science block, previously just called (with stunning lack of imagination) the "three storey block", was renamed the Edinburgh Wing in his honour, and it still bears this name today.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, in which I am proud to be involved, has enriched the lives of millions of young people throughout the world. It was his brainchild, his "baby", and he made it happen.
There is much to celebrate in his extraordinary life; and although I know that many of my friends are anti-monarchists, I hope that they will at least join me in mourning the passing of one of the last remaining second world war combat veterans, a man who made a great difference, a man who continued steadfast in public service for 30 years beyond the normal retirement age; in short a man who, whatever one's views of monarchy, deserves to be recognised and acclaimed as a truly great briton!
I was rather annoyed that one of my anti-monarchist friends posted a "ha ha" response ... although another friend commented "nice obituary".
Rest in Peace and thank you.
Sad News.
He presented me with my DofE Gold award at Buckingham Palace in 1977, and we chatted about model railways which he had a passing interest in.
My first N gauge layout was built as part of the 'hobbies and interests' section of the Gold Award.
My 'community / voluntary service' section was completed by my volunteering activities on the then nascent Nene Valley railway, specifically my work on retubing the German Class 64 2-6-2 tank.
Watched the funeral here live at midnight. One of the more dignified of royal ceremonies, I thought, due to it's relative simplicity.
The four-person choir was excellent.
That singing was, phenomenal!
Actually I think they could end up being superstars. Brilliant.
For me, it was when the piper's lament died away - someone disappearing irretrievably into the distance.
I thought a very moving funeral, even more so as it so clearly reflected the man himself.
'if I've got to go, it will be on my terms'
as usual, the forces did him proud, but I think the most poignant thing was seeing her majesty sat alone during the service.