Your memories of Prince Philip

A few weeks ago we asked readers to get in contact to share any memories of the Duke of Edinburgh for a planned feature to celebrate his 100th birthday in June. Sadly, of course, he never reached that milestone. But here are just a few of the many letters and emails we received.

A true gentleman

✒ We were in Wakefield city centre when the Queen was handing out Maundy money in the Cathedral. We waited as a family in a street where we were told she would be walking after the service. Our granddaughter, Holly, was two or three at the time (she’s now 20) and she had a small posy for the Queen. Prince Philip was walking on our side. When he saw Holly he asked us if she was our granddaughter, smiled and had one of the bodyguards lift her over the barrier so that she could present her flowers to the Queen. A lovely moment for us. He was a true gentleman!

Mrs Susan Abbott, Wakefield

Campsite encounter

✒ In the Seventies, I was in the Girl Guides and we were camping in the New Forest. We all had a wonderful weekend, but it turned out to be particularly memorable for my friend, Jenny, and myself.

On the Saturday afternoon, we had some free time and were allowed to go and explore the campsite in pairs or small groups.

Jenny and I set off to walk towards the large house in the grounds. As we got near to it, a smartly dressed man, who looked vaguely familiar, came up to us and asked if we were camping in the tented village. We said we were and he chatted to us for about five minutes, asking if we were going to have a campfire and if we'd be toasting any marshmallows and having hot chocolate. “Always a great part of any camp,” he said.

He said he hoped we'd have a lovely weekend and that he was pleased that the weather was so good, joking that he had to stay at the house as he was already getting too old to sleep in a tent!

We went back to the camp and that evening our Guide Leader was talking to us all and reminded us all to be on our best behaviour, especially as there was a Royal visitor staying in the main house. Jenny and I realised then that we'd had a very special encounter. It’s one that I've never forgotten. I feel so lucky to have had a chat with Prince Philip, even though I didn't realise at the time who he was. How wonderful too, that the Prince took time to have a chat with us and show so much interest and support for what we were doing.

Sally Reader, Enfield

Hold on to your hats!

✒ It was 1964, or round about then, and I was in 1188 squadron of the Junior Air Corps in my home town of Coalville in Leicestershire. We were asked to form a guard of honour for Prince Philip as he was going to officially open Castle Donnington Airport, now known as East Midlands Airport. He was so handsome! Well, when he had done what he'd come to do and was leaving, he said: "Well ladies, forget the salute, keep one hand on your hat and the other hand on your skirt because when that plane nearby takes off so will they!” We just smiled at him and promptly did as we were told. What memories.

Gloria Richardson, by email

He was charming

✒ My husband, Charles, and I were introduced to Prince Philip at a garden party at Buckingham Palace 13 years ago. Charles had served in the Coldstream Guards and done war service. The Prince chatted to him about the war and my husband’s time in the Coldstream Guards. Then his attendant told him how my husband had been on duty at the palace when the princesses were young. Philip was very interested in that. He was very charming and it was a great privilege meeting him, never to be forgotten. My husband died nearly six years ago. But we never forgot that day.

Nora Walker, Northumberland

A kind smile

✒ During a visit to my local hospital in the Eighties, Prince Philip was walking towards me. I didn’t know whether to bob or curtsey. With hands behind his back he nodded and gave me a kind smile. I thought I would faint!

Pauline Kay, Kent

Fun with the children

✒ Many years ago my friend Rita’s father, Mr Clarke, had a job at Sandringham House as a security guard and also a flat in the grounds. Most weekends, I used to stay with them. On many occasions, we saw the Royal Family in the grounds but one morning we saw Prince Philip, pushing a pedal car with a child in it, and having a really good laugh; we think it was a young Prince Edward in the car.

Mrs Baker, Norfolk