Duke ‘would have been pleased’ at ‘beautiful’ service, says goddaughter

of the Duke of Edinburgh's many goddaughters said he "would have been pleased" with the service held in his memory at Westminster Abbey.

Elizabeth Grubb, who flew from New Zealand for yesterday’s service and attended alongside her son, Richard Rice-grubb, said the duke was a friend of her father's after they served together in the Navy.

She said Philip, who reportedly had more than 50 godchildren, became her godfather just before he married the Queen.

Speaking outside Westminster Abbey, she said: "It was a beautiful service and, I think, just right. It hit just the right tone and I'm sure it was the right thing for Prince Philip.

"The music was lovely. The Dean of Windsor's address was great. I think he would have been pleased, wherever he is."

She added: "Throughout my life, in different small ways and bigger ways, he's been with me, so I'm very glad that I could be here today.

"I'm glad I was here for me, but also for my father, who's long gone.

"It was really nice, particularly for the Queen, for everybody to have had a fitting goodbye."

Baron Mcfall of Alcluith, a member of the House of Lords, said the service was a "historic moment" and echoed the dean's words in remembering the duke as "a man who helped to make the world better".

Speaking near Westminone ster Abbey, he said: "He was described by the dean as a man of faith and a man who helped to make the world better.

"The Duke of Edinburgh (Award) scheme was certainly that. It started in the 1950s and has helped so many people.

"It was fitting that the first tribute was from a gold award winner of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme."

The Hon Clarence Tan, president of the New Zealand Society, of which the duke was a patron for 69 years, said: "It was a beautiful ceremony.

"The Duke of Edinburgh has been an inspiration throughout the years for many of us. His dedication to charities was second to none. He always showed a very keen interest in our charity so it was great to be here to thank his royal highness for the work he has done."