Since April 9th when I heard the very sad news that the Duke of Edinburgh, our Prince Philip had died, I have so very much wanted to write something as a way of showing my respect, thankfulness and remembrance for his life of true love and devotion to his wife our Queen Elizabeth, his family and his country.

Prince Philip was, in a thousand ways an extraordinary man, gifted considerably beyond what would be considered the normal quantity coupled with an equal disregard for pomp and selfish pride and action.

Despite being very high born in Greece to monarch parents himself, his childhood and teenage life exposed him to constant uncertainty and distressing circumstances. Then as he grew into a man, he spent his years between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four hands on, serving in the Second World War in the Royal Navy. His was no office job.

I would like to say so much more, but no matter how much I say, I know I will never be able to do the memory of this great and wonderful man justice.

I have been collecting a few things over the years that remind me of the very precious and happy bond he had with Elizabeth and I will endeavour to photograph those and share those with you as soon as I’m able. I have some beautiful books with lovely pictures inside.

What a exceptional privilege it has been to know Prince Philip as Consort and Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign for so much of our lives!

My prayers go out to Queen Elizabeth as she embarks on a completely new time where she will be reigning without her beloved Prince Philip by her side. I pray for calm for her, joy and the peace that passes all understanding, as she and her family mourn the passing of their husband, Consort and father.

It is said Prince Philip liked this hymn from his Navy days. It is a great hymn and so relevant at this time. Farewell Dear Prince. God Speed. Xx 

*Photo credits go to Studio Lisa, image rights now owned by Getty Images and sourced by me in Rodney Laredo’s book ‘Studio Lisa And The Royal Family 1936-1966’, First Published 2019 by The History Press.

Eternal Father strong to save
Whose arm has bound the restless wave
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
It's own appointed limits keep
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in Peril on the sea

Oh Christ whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word
Who walkest on the foamy deep
And how amidst the storm did sleep
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in Peril on the sea

[alternate lyrics]
Eternal Father strong to save 
Whose arm has bound the restless wave, 
Who bids the mighty ocean deep 
It's own appointed limits keep, 
O hear us when we cry to Thee 
For those in Peril on the sea. 

Oh Christ, the Lord of hill and plain, 
O'er which our traffic runs amain. 
By mountain pass or valley low, 
Wherever, Lord our brethren go, 
Protect them by Thy guarding hand 
From every peril on the land

O Spirit, whom the Father sent 
To spread abroad the firmament. 
Oh wind of heaven, by Thy might 
Save all who dare the eagle's flight. 
And keep them by thy watchful care 
From every peril in the air 

O Trinity of love and power, 
Our brethren shield in danger's hour.
From rock and tempest, fire, and foe 
Protect them wheresoe'er they go. 
That evermore shall rise to Thee, 
Glad praise from air and land and sea