Speeches

Tributes to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (April 2021)

I was deeply moved by the tributes
heard in both Houses this week to celebrate the life
and legacy of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh. I too would like to add to these
tributes and start by extendingnmy heartfelt condolences
to Her Majesty the Queen and the entire royal family
at this sorrowful time.
Prince Philip was an extraordinary man who lived
an extraordinary life. He was the epitome of public
service who devoted his entire life to Crown and
country. Described by Her Majesty the Queen as her
strength and stay, Prince Philip was the Queen’s loyal
and unwavering companion for over 73 years. It was
no easy feat, and one that required him to walk several
steps behind his wife. However, it was a role that he
held proudly, and he became incalculable to the success
and stability of the monarchy. In years to come, he
became a strikingly modern figure who transformed
the role of consort.
I have particularly fond memories of His Royal
Highness from the time I served the royal household
as a Lord in Waiting and Minister of the Crown. He
demonstrated the essence of selfless service and lived
by the motto that the things you do for others remain
your greatest legacy. His life reflected the sweeping
changes of the turbulent 20th century. During the last
century he dedicated his entire life to the construction
of a better Britain, urging the country to adopt scientific
methods, embracing the ideas of industrial design,
planning, education and training. He was ahead of his
years and evenwarned of the impact on the environment
before it became fashionable.
His most endearing passion was his commitment to
the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which he
founded in 1956. The programme, operating in more than 140 countries, especially across theCommonwealth,
continues to encourage young people to volunteer for
community service.
Prince Philip also had a strong business instinct and
championed industry. It is often said that, had it not
been for his royal background, in another life he
would have made a fine and astute businessman. He
possessed the right listening capability, always asking
the right questions. Prince Philip was devoted to
empowering people to be the best they can be, and he
understood how to motivate people. He was never
afraid to speak his mind and his motto was to get
things done.
The passing of Britain’s longest serving consort
marks an end of an era and will no doubt leave a
tremendous void for the Royal Family and indeed the
nation. At this difficult time, I hope that we can
remember that Prince Philip’smemory is our keepsake,
with which we will never part. God has him in His
keeping and we have him in our hearts.
Prince Philip was one of a kind whose like we will
regrettably never see again.He leaves behind a fantastic
legacy and a proud nation. May his soul rest in eternal
peace.