Let’s tell the Duke what a fillip he is
IF I’m honest, I’m more of a republican than a royalist. It doesn’t sit comfortably with me that we have an unelected head of state, yet proudly call ourselves a democracy.
However, you can’t really blame the duty-bound royals for that – they’re a pretty decent bunch as it turns out.
So, dismissing the notion that no one actually sums up one’s considerable attributes until one’s on one’s way to becoming either a pile of ashes in a cheap urn or six feet under, I’d like to tell Prince Philip what a jolly good fellow I think he is.
Not that I’m predicting his demise, you understand – bladder infections don’t generally kill as far as I know – it’s just that when he does finally shuffle off this mortal coil, he will be praised to the loftiest heights. But, being dead, will know nothing of how he was admired and valued.
He will know not a jot about how his deep-set warmth, dressed up as a constant irritation, renders him fascinating, even on first meeting.
I first encountered him at the 75th Anniversary Royal Variety Performance in Edinburgh in 2003. His diffident air gave forth to a sort of grimacecum-grin and the words: “So they’ve dragged you all the way up here from London, have they?” Not the politest greeting I’ve ever received, but HRH’s observational skills, I’m convinced, have equipped him with the ability to hone in on the absurdity of human manners, ceremony and obsequiousness. He has an ironic presence, a razor-sharp wit that cuts through the stuffiest of situations. Sometimes it’s rude, bordering on offensive – the female sea cadet he encountered will surely never forget Philip’s, “Do you work in a strip club?” query.
I wonder too if the civil servant he addressed as “a silly little Whitehall twit” ever regained his professional pride once Philip had swept by. Blunt? Yes. But also compassionate. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, created in 1956 to help young people achieve their potential, no matter their background, is his proudest achievement.
I’ve helped to present DofE awards at St James’ Palace and have been moved by his enthusiasm and pride, as well as the huge grins of recipients dazzled by his edgy wit.
Earlier this year, I attended a service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the awards at Westminster Abbey.
The Duke’s passion for young people and his pride in their achievements filled the lofty space.
As one young man, who studied for his award in prison, spoke of how the scheme had turned his life around, Prince Philip sat rapt. And proud.
No, I am not a royalist, but hell, I admire and very much respect the work ethic, sense of duty, patience, forbearance and all-conquering humour possessed by this very special family.
Especially Prince Philip. Always one step behind, but very much at the forefront of championing those in need of a brighter future.