Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The loyal royal
PRINCE PHILIP: 70 YEARS OF SERVICE ITV, 9PM
FAIR play to the Duke of Edinburgh, who recently announced his retirement from public duties at the grand old age of 95.
The Queen’s husband and right-hand man has been standing on ceremony for decades, cutting ribbons, shaking hands, and chatting to hundreds of people about their various interests. Prince Philip is patron, president or a member of more than 780 different organisations. Most pensioners of that age would sooner be putting their feet up indoors, so there was a resounding cheer from the general public who feel he deserves to ditch the tie and jacket and put on some comfortable slippers. Following the news of his retirement, this documentary has been rather speedily put together to celebrate Prince Philip’s 70 years of royal duty. The longest-serving consort in British history, this film explores his life from his beginnings as a naval officer to his role as husband of the Queen. And it’s Alan Titchmarsh who guides us through the Duke’s work and life to date. Alan has interviewed the Duke several times over the years and was granted one of his last formal interviews, gaining a rare insight into the mind of the man who is known as a moderniser inside the royal family. And it seems the Duke has not lost his trademark quick wit since the announcement. When a guest at a St James’s Palace event said recently: “I’m sorry to hear you’re standing down,” he retorted, “Well I can’t stand up much longer.” Along the way, Alan gets to see the Duke in off-duty mode at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, hears about him from those who know Philip best, and analyses what this significant moment means for the monarchy going forward.