Duke ‘epitomised the best of UK values’

Tdeath of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was a recurring topic in yesterday’s opinion columns.

The Scotsman

“The loss of a loved one is something with which far too many of us have had to contend over the last brutal year,” the paper said in its leader comment.

“The fact they may have reached a grand old age does not temper the grief. It leaves a hole in your heart which cannot be filled.”

The paper said the UK had entered a period in which people were recognising and empathising with the sorrow of fellow human beings.

“As families across the country have tragically had to do, the Royals are rallying round and supporting each other,” the paper continued.

“And they are doing so while the eyes of the world are upon them, hanging on their every word or action.

“Has there been too much coverage of Philip’s death? That very much depends on your own point of view, but in truth, after the year we have just been through, a period of national mourning is needed by us all.”

Daily Express

Richard Palmer said the Duke “epitomised the best of British values”.

“He came to Britain as a penniless Greek prince, a stateless refugee,” wrote Richard Palmer,.

“Staying with a succession of admittedly wealthy relatives as a child, he was fond of describing his residence as No Fixed Abode.

“He was from a generation that just got on with it, no matter the family tragedies that ensued. A man’s man, he joined the Royal Navy and took up arms against fascism, fighting on the opposite side to most of his family.

“He will be remembered for many things but he should be acknowledged as a champion of the underprivileged, who epitomised the best of British values in a multiracial society.”

Daily Mail

“Each one of us who mourns the loss of a beloved family member grieves for somebody ‘very special’,” wrote Bel Mooney in her exploration of how the Duke’s death had affected the British public.

“The quality of ‘specialness’ which inspires acres of newsprint celebration of Prince Philip and hours of television, sings public praise of a famous man.

“But for his family, the mourning of that beloved, unique being is actually quite ordinary.

“Death does not care who wears gold braid, medals or a crown,” she added.