Young Royals must learn that a life of duty is an honour

ANYONE who has yet to grasp the importance of monarchy should take a close look at last week’s brief but joyous appearance by the Duke of Edinburgh. At the age of 99, but still clearly fit and spry, Prince Philip strode swiftly into the limelight, made a few jokes, and then strode back into retirement.

What had caused him to do this? Duty. After 67 years as Colonel-in-Chief of what is now the Rifles, he was not going to relinquish the post without saying a proper, personal farewell. And he was not merely present. He took the trouble to go and talk to the buglers who had taken part in the ceremony, teasing them gently about their levels of fitness.

They will remember that moment all their lives. And they will know that their work and discipline are appreciated. It is a simple desire, felt by many whose lives are in some way dominated by duty and service, the wish to be recognised, not with money or rank, but with personal contact with the highest in the land.

This is beyond price. It is one of the forces that holds our society together.

Now these tasks are passing to the younger Royals. As we see from the worrying new biography of Harry and Meghan, some of them seem to struggle against the burden of duty. This is understandable. Who doubts that the Queen and Prince Philip have more than once privately wished for extra time to themselves?

Let us hope the rising generations come to see that duty is not merely a burden, but an honour, and that those who accept it are in the end rewarded with respect and devotion which are beyond price.