Shirley Tart: Queen will miss her ‘rock’ Prince Philip on royal visits
She has on many occasions called him her rock and that is exactly what he has been. For a royal lifetime.
Her Majesty will surely have mixed feelings this week as her husband, her consort, the man she has known since they were teenagers and has loved for most of the time since then, will no longer be there at her side on official occasions or just a few paces behind, but there anyway.
The news that the Duke of Edinburgh is effectively retiring from royal duties ought not to be a surprise to any of us. He will be 96 on June 10 and has had significant spells of ill health over recent years, but has made a stoic recovery each time.
However, before the intriguing announcement, Buckingham Palace was at pains to insist that there was no health issue for either the Queen or the Duke. And as staff were called from all the royal residences yesterday, that was indeed a relief for them and for us.
The fact is, Prince Philip has long since won his spurs and earned what some might call his retirement. Though I bet I’m not the only one who wouldn’t be surprised at a few unheralded appearances in the years ahead.
However, this is the moment to reflect for a while on all he has been in unparalleled service to our nation, to the Commonwealth and the wider world but most of all, to the Queen, our Head of State, his beloved wife.
She has always let it be known that she would never abdicate. Her own father kept the faith and the promise and it is hard to see a moment when Elizabeth II might herself lay down the crown.
And through all these years her husband has had exactly the same approach to the role he accepted a long time ago. He and his young wife were in Kenya as the news of the King’s death was passed across continents to the only man with whom the new Queen would want to share this moment of heartbreak, shock and destiny.
And so both their lives changed forever.
The young sailor had carved a good career for himself and in another life would doubtless have stayed with his ship and eventually retired with honour – at about half the age he is now!
But as it was, he pledged his life not only to the Queen but also to the family they were building together and to whatever may befall this reign which has turned out to be so extraordinary.
Over the years, the couple have travelled to most parts of the world – to some, many times. They have delighted thousands of people they have met and millions who have watched them adding a little royal lustre to so many occasions.
They came to Shropshire just before and just after the Coronation. And have always been very welcome visitors to our county.
The last and so impressive occasion was the wonderful Diamond Jubilee pageant at RAF Cosford. It was a glorious day as the royal party toured the RAF museum and airfield before watching the procession. Thousands turned up to be part of it all and more than 5,000 children as well as voluntary groups took part in what was almost like a victory parade.
I was part of the organising group for that momentous occasion and what a privilege it all was.
While those of us at that amazing rain-soaked Diamond Jubilee river pageant in London when the royals came down the Thames in an open boat, determined to stick to the schedule, was something else. I spent the day on Chelsea Bridge wearing a black bin bag begged from a nearby stallholder. And everybody, but everybody got very wet.
Who was surprised that the Duke, already in his 90s, spent that night and several others in hospital with a bladder infection and so was unable to attend the wonderful picnic at the palace the following evening. While on the final day of celebration and thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, how empty that spot was when the Queen came in alone at the end of the procession. That was his place and she wouldn’t have it filled by anyone else.
Take my word for it, that would quietly have broken the old mariner’s heart.
In his time, the Duke’s salty humour has often tickled people, and sometimes, well, surprised them. But the twinkle in his eye always tells the story of a bit of a wicked sense of humour.
His growing family delights him, though he is seemingly not averse to speaking his mind if he thinks it’s necessary. While when he is out with his horses or driving a carriage, you could never doubt the fun and pleasure he gets from it all. And he enjoyed his date with the cricket crowd this week.
St Andrew’s Church in Shifnal is dedicating its summer fair on June 10, noon onwards, the Duke’s birthday, to him – with a photograph and a charming letter from Buckingham Palace, thanks to the initiative of organiser Jenny Hodnett who wrote asking if they could help.
Back at the palace, twith the young generations stepping in so well to help support and take over some of the numerous roles from the Queen and Duke, this was surely good timing for this week’s decision. The Duke’s new-look life starts in the autumn and everybody whose own lives have been touched by him over these many years will wish him everything he hopes for himself. And a good few years ahead to enjoy this very late retirement!
