Duke was friend of city Through thick and thin visits to Birmingham
Looks back at some of Prince Philip’s most memorable
PRINCE Philip made many visits to Birmingham and met thousands of people in the city throughout his 73 years as consort to the Queen.
His death last Friday at the age of 99 has revived many memories for those in Birmingham who met him over those long years of service.
But perhaps, for many Brummies, his most memorable visit was in 2015. It was then that the duke, famed for his off-the-cuff remarks, which ranged from the quick-witted and funny to the politically incorrect and offensive, joked that the Birmingham accent ‘was not English’.
It happened as he was attending the unveiling of the refurbished New Street Station.
The then 94-year-old asked the
local train announcer if she spoke with the accent while reading out train times. When she said no, he quipped: “I suppose you’ve got to announce in an English accent so everyone can understand you.” Brummies weren’t offended. Many hooted with laughter.
The duke had also endeared himself to many of the city’s older generation after his visit to Birmingham two days after the dreadful pub bombings in 1974.
Twenty-one people died and almost 200 were injured when IRA terrorists bombed two crowded city centre bars, The Mulberry Bush, at the base of the Rotunda, and the nearby Tavern In The Town.
Prince Philip visited both sites in the aftermath and then spent time with many seriously injured victims
who were being treated at Birmingham General Hospital. He chatted with them and with the nurses and doctors who had been working around the clock to save lives.
Ten years earlier the duke had officially opened the city’s showpiece Bull Ring Shopping Centre in May, 1964.
The Duke of Edinburgh was once described by the Queen as her “strength and stay” and has been a constant presence by her side for more than 70 years.
This week Birmingham politicians were among thousands paying tribute.
Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am incredibly saddened.
“For more than seven decades he has been the rock by our Queen’s
side, as well as being an incredible public servant. I know many people across the West Midlands will have personal memories of the Prince from his visits, as well as from all his work to support so many charities and organisations. My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time.”
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, took to Twitter to say: “How sad for the Queen losing her husband of so many years, my thoughts are with her especially. What a life, I hope that is a comfort.”
University of Birmingham’s Dr Matt Cole is a historian who researches and teaches the politics and society of modern Britain.
He said: “The death of the Duke of Edinburgh marks the end of a lifetime’s public service and support for
the Queen in an era of change for Britain from the end of Empire to the challenges of the 21st century.
“Like all departures of long-serving national figures, it is a moment of reflection for the country about what has gone and what we now face.”
John-Paul Campion, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Police, added: “A sad day. A rock at the heart of the monarchy.
“A man whose service to our country in battle and in peacetime is truly remarkable.
“An extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life.”
Tributes were also paid in the Black Country, where the duke had also visited over the years. West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey said: “I’m sure communities across the Black Country will join me in paying
our respects and sending our best wishes to his family and Her Majesty.
“It’s absolutely devastating news and my thoughts and prayers are with the family and Her Majesty The Queen. Prince Philip embodied public service, her served the nation was an example for people to look up to.” Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes paid tribute to Prince Philip as an “incredible support for The Queen” and spoke of his memories when he met him.
“I went down to London for some Duke of Edinburgh awards not long after I became MP and he was making his way around the room and it came to the line up where I was and he managed to be charming and engaging and funny with everybody, it didn’t feel formal.”