Our close encounters with the people’s royal
MY BROTHER Derek had met Prince Philip when he was doing his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. My chance came decades later during Cowes Week in 2012. I positioned myself so I might catch his eye as he went past. My patience was rewarded when he disembarked from one vessel, immediately stepping on to another gangplank, from where he departed on a smaller boat. I wonder what he thought about then being delayed by the arrival of the Red Funnel Isle of Wight ferry and if its captain knew who he had kept waiting!
MICHAEL GREEN, Seaview, Isle of Wight.
I HAD the honour and joy of meeting the Duke several times. I remember once when there was a small group considering a project. The Duke’s joviality and sense of humour put me at ease in royal company. While he maintained his position, he made me feel equal. That was the greatness of the man.
JEHANGIR SAROSH, Bushey, Herts.
WHEN my Duke of Edinburgh students cooked ravioli on their camp stove, Prince Philip praised their efforts. One boy replied: ‘Yes, sir, it’s a meal fit for a king.’
RALPH DONCASTER, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
IN THE mid-1950s, I was detailed to be one of 200 Royal Marines to form the parade at Eastney Barracks for the presentation of new colours by our Captain General, Prince Philip. It was six weeks of dedicated drill practice. Sixty years later, I went to Horse Guards Parade in London, resplendent in my 42 Commando green beret, to revel in memories as the massed bands of the Royal Marines Beat the Retreat and a thousand squaddies performed amazing marching and drills. Prince Philip took the salute on the raised dais. I admit to a tear or two. I wrote to him the next day and two days later had a personal reply on embossed Buckingham Palace paper: ‘Dear Mr Jennings, Thank you for your letter. The massed bands of the Royal Marines did indeed put on a spectacular performance on Horse Guards the other evening, and no one will have appreciated it more than an ex-Bootneck! I remember the parade at Eastney, but I am amazed it was 60 years ago . . . It’s never a good idea to take life too seriously. Yours sincerely, Philip.’
MICHAEL JENNINGS, Hartley, Kent.
WHEN the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Pangbourne College a few years ago, I rode my bike along the route in the hope of seeing the royal car. A police officer near the college told me the car was due any minute. I rode up the hill towards the entrance, but it was deserted. When the royal car arrived, the Duke looked across and gave me a cheerful wave. I was amazed that such a greatly respected person would acknowledge an insignificant cyclist.
PAUL CHANDLER, Reading, Berks.