The Death of a Prince That Makes Us All Reflect

Published on: 9 Apr, 2021
Updated on: 12 Apr, 2021

The sad news today of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death will have caused many to pause and reflect. Prince Phillip had been a national figure for the lifetimes of most of us.

His century of life and service has experienced huge change. In his 73 years of marriage to the Queen, Prince Philip proved himself a more than worthy consort, devoting his life to causes ranging from improving young lives with his Duke of Edinburgh Awards to preserving the planet with his World Wildlife Fund.

A modest Union Flag, flown half-mast at a cottage in Chilworth represents the respect and sadness many feel. Dragon reader Jane Hepburn wrote: “Cycling through Chilworth just now saw this very moving tribute to the passing of Prince Philip.”

Guildford’s Mayor Richard Billington said: “With the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, we lose another of our few remaining links to the greatest generation. And while our hearts go out to the Queen and her family we should celebrate the great legacy he has left us. He came to Britain as a child refugee and grew up to serve in the Royal Navy, fighting in the Second World War.

“We may never have met him personally but we will forever know him for his support of the Queen and his scheme for young people, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. And through his life we see an incredible dedication to public service and causes for the environment long before they became fashionable.

“I remember in the 1970s when our rivers were filthy and so were our factories Prince Philip campaigned for action to clean our country. He spoke with trademark bluntness that we had to act before it all became “so much effluent under the bridge”.

“Rest in peace, thou noble prince, and good and faithful servant.”

But there will be various views. Please add yours, respectfully, via our leave a reply feature below. As usual, anonymous comments will not be published.

Leader of Guildford Borough Council Joss Bigmore said: “The sheer volume of tributes from across the globe shows what a huge impact Prince Philip made on so many people. He devoted his life to public duty, setting standards very few will ever match.

“Whilst very much an individual his unfailing support of our Queen showed extraordinary selflessness, making personal sacrifices for the good of his family and his adopted country.

“My deepest sympathies are with the Queen, and the Royal Family, we will miss a remarkable man.”

James Nicholls paying respects at Effingham

In Effingham, at 12 noon as gun salutes were being fired across the country and in different parts of the world, former parish councillor James Nicholls, pinned on his father’s war medals and stood in respect by the war memorial in St Lawrence Church.