My memories of Prince Philip...

As Prince Philip is laid to rest, here are my memories... During my career, I had the good fortune to meet Prince Philip on a number of occasions. The first time was when I represented an organisation that was a member of a council that he was a Chairman of. I attended their annual general meeting (AGM) and Prince Philip chaired the meeting. When he entered the room, all members present (about one hundred) rose and, whilst walking to his seat he was beckoning us to be seated – almost embarrassed that we had stood. He sat centre and front, tapped the microphone and said, “right… let’s get cracking. You’ve all had a copy of the last meeting minutes? You’ve all read them? You’re all happy with them – yes? A show of hands please”. The room chuckled and we raised our hands. “Good… Someone give me a bloody pen so I can sign the wretched thing off”. All were immediately at ease. After the meeting, there was a buffet lunch. At the buffet lunch, Prince Philip identified me as a newcomer and – in a room of about one hundred people that only met annually – he came over to introduce himself and welcome me. We had a chat about the organisation I represented and the challenges we were presented with. He asked me what his organisation could do for us – and what I could do for his organisation. Within a few moments, his humour was evident and can only be described as banter.

Over the coming years, his organisation proved to be invaluable in my work. In return, I did advocacy for change on behalf of his organisation at the EU parliament, British parliament, House of Lords and various ministries on topics like, the welfare of young persons in sport in European competition and the points based visa system and the impact on volunteers in sport with a visa – to name but a few...

At one event I recall Prince Philip presented an award. The person who was the recipient had sadly died – but his wife and daughter were present and collected the award posthumously. After the presentation, Prince Philip broke with protocol; turned to the lectern; spoke at length about the awardee and his relationship with him over the years and how much he will miss his involvement. Prince Phillip genuinely knew the individual well and spoke heartfelt at his demise. I last met Prince Philip when he retired from the council – in his late eighties – again, at the AGM and at a dinner the following day. At the AGM, he handed over his chair to the duly elected representative, his son, Prince Edward. It was at this meeting I saw first hand that he was a father and family man first and foremost.

I think it’s important to note that Prince Philip worked with over eight hundred organisations like I’ve described during his life. Organisations that positively affect change in our lives in ways that we are blissfully unaware of – and he undertook that work long past when we consider retirement.

RIP Prince Philip. Thank you for your service to our country and commonwealth. A country you were not born to or had an affiliation to – until your marriage to our Queen. It was an honour to have met your acquaintance; have your support; and to support you.