Friday 9 April 2021

Prince Philip

 

I saw Prince Philip and the Queen when I was about 10. It was 1956 (now I'm giving my age away!). Children from all around the area were loaded onto green double decker buses and taken to the nearby town of Barnstaple. We were standing on wobbly risers along the walls of the ancient Pannier Market, and everyone was given a Union Jack to wave. Not sure how we got them or where they came from. There was huge excitement.... we were going to see The Queen! It must have been deafening in there when she walked up the centre aisle with the local dignitaries, and Prince Philip just behind her, his hands behind his back, as usual. I remember she was wearing pale blue. I'm in this youtube video somewhere.... on the left hand side, indistinguishable from all the other excited flag wavers. Sorry, I don't know how to embed it.

https://youtu.be/RBOQnCGiD8Y

R.I.P. Prince Philip.

23 comments:

  1. I am far from a Royalist - though I too was taken to see the queen and given a flag to wave. She drove rather than walked past us though.
    My heart aches for her. They were married for a very, very long time.

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    1. I'm not a Royalist either, but the Royal family have been part of my history, growing up in England I was always aware of them. Sounds weird, I know.

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  2. I saw he and the Queen during their last visit.

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    1. Yes, and a very long life. Too bad he didn't quite make it to age 100!

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  4. RIP Prince Philip. So sad for the Queen.

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    1. The Queen must be heartbroken. Such a loss.

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  5. I also saw him and the Queen when a schoolgirl, but we weren't given flags that I remember. My mother actually got to speak to him on one of his trips to NZ, many years ago - she said he was very charming and had a lovely twinkle in his eye.

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    1. That's a lovely story. I'm so glad your mum enjoyed meeting him.

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  6. I saw the sad news on the TV.
    He had a long life.

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    1. There are many tributes to Prince Philip on radio and television. So many people telling stories of meeting him.

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  7. What a great memory! I saw the Queen and Prince Edward back in Deer Lake, Newfoundland in the 1970's, Prince Philip wasn't with them.

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    1. It was very exciting for me to see the Queen.... she and Prince Philip were almost like rock stars to ten year old me.

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  8. Beautiful exciting memories. They had an amazing marriage. RIP.
    Sue

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    1. 73 years of marriage.... that's a full lifetime. I am sure she is heartbroken.

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  9. RIP Prince Philip. I feel bad for the Queen, she lost her life partner.

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  10. I am a staunch Royalist but I never got a chance to see them when they were in Canada. RIP Philip. Your queen will be heartbroken, I am sure.

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    1. I saw the Royal family in Montreal when we went to the Olympics in 1976. Saw Princess Anne compete in the equestrian competition.

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  11. I was 6 in 1954 when we were all made to line up for hours outside the Geelong Town Hall in 40 degree heat with our flags. All I remember is this big black car flash past and being terribly thirsty. I became a republican that day.

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    1. Look who suddenly appeared from oblivion!!! Hey Dogbait! Nice to see you even though you are a declared republican! Your comment made me laugh.

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  12. That was a lovely tribute Shammi. I think the Royal family do a wonderful job. He was so close to the hundred. The Queen will miss him so much, that was a long time together ✨

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