Fitting way to see off a man of service...
ON Saturday the mortal remains of Prince Philip will be laid to rest at Windsor.
Due to Covid, no politicians or other society figures will be present, just a quiet and intimate occasion to remember the life of a good man who served his Queen and adopted country with unblemished loyalty.
I am more than pleased that the Midlands, and Birmingham in particular, will be very well represented at the castle, for from the very heart of British manufacturing, his last journey will be in a Land Rover, a vehicle chosen by the Duke, who selected the modifications for this sad occasion.
The duke, like many members of his family, was particularly fond of the marque.
In fact, his last drive was in a Range Rover in January 2019, when he unfortunately was involved in an accident which resulted in him deciding to hand in his licence.
There must come a time – something I dread.
The Duke is going to be sorely missed by us all, for although he lived in the shadow of the Queen, he carved out a career of service to the less fortunate.
His name will live on as the years roll by due to the popularity of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which has been so instrumental in turning around young lives that otherwise might have been blighted.
The scheme, summed up with its slogan ‘Empowering through Education’ opened doors. It will run on for a great many years to come, ensuring that Prince Philip will never be forgotten.
In more normal times, there would possibly have been a huge funeral with many products from the Solihull Land Rover factory in the cortege.
Covid has put a stop to this, yet in a way, perhaps it is all for the best, for Her Majesty is spared the strain of a lengthy occasion in full view of the world’s media.
Next Wednesday she will be 95 years old, and perhaps it will be more fitting that her beloved partner of nearly 74 years will be laid to rest in private surrounded by her family to support her.
In his life on this earth, the duke set a very high standard of loyalty. He will not be forgotten.