Experimental north-east education proved pivotal in shaping of prince

Prince Philip always spoke his mind, talked about his belief in the power of sport and exercise, and never suffered fools gladly.

Much of this philosophy developed in his years at Gordonstoun, the innovative Moray public school founded by Kurt Hahn.

After arriving in 1934, he flung himself into the often rigorous regime and was, as one former master said later, “totally in his element”.

Some dismissed Hahn’s experiment as a spartan fad – even by the harsh standards of British boarding schools. But term after term, the prince showed that, for the right kind of pupil, it had everything a growing boy needed, both physically and intellectually.

One teacher stated in the 1970s: “As a born athlete, Philip’s sporting prowess was undeniable. It won him the captaincy of both the hockey and cricket teams, while his natural leadership skills made him an excellent choice for head of the school.

“He also showed his sense of adventure and love of life on the ocean wave at regular intervals and it wasn’t surprising he joined the Navy afterwards: among his favourite extra-curricular activities were the exciting if perilous sailing expeditions the school organised around the coasts of Scotland and Norway.”

Philip transformed himself into the Gordonstoun ideal.

As Hahn said, he became a “strong, self-reliant individual, who was ever ready to tackle whatever new challenges life cared to throw at him”.

Prince Philip left Gordonstoun in 1939, but the pioneer spirit it had fostered in him was invaluable.