HRH Prince Philip
 

Am I alone in being shocked at his demeanour on the F&CO balcony yesterday?

It seemed as if the TV cameras were not showing close ups on the programme I watched. I felt really sorry for him and HMQ and it takes quite something for me to say that.

Yes, we all age and he has had a great run but I felt uncomfortable thinking duty called for someone who appeared that unwell.

He has been quite the lad, we heard some interesting tales about his exploits during my time with HM Gov. Sad to see him in decline, but it comes to us all eventually.

Agree HRH looked somewhat weary, as is to be expected at his age.

However, HM's gimlet eyes followed proceedings intently. :)

I suspect he didn't need to be asked to be there. However, it looks like a sit down wouldn't do him any harm.

I believe that Prince Philip was asked if he would like to sit down during the remembrance service but as long as he has strength he will escort the Queen at all times when required. His "demeanour" was impeccable for this redoubtable gentleman and he deserves respect for his unflinching support.

Attendance yesterday, and on Saturday night, was his own choice.

Saw close-ups on TV here. He appeared tired but, as always, dignified.

I have tremendous respect for the man. What guts and determination. He is an incredibly asset to the Monarchy.

Both of them are, they amaze me how active they both are when you consider their ages, they put to shame people a lot younger, and long may they continue too, with all the back biting, bitching and what's in it for me you see the world over, it is a privilege to have the pair of them rule over us, serving the country with unswerving dedication long past the time most would have retired and hung up their crowns.

He really shouldn't have been there - he looked absolutely knackered (been there done that, got the T-shirt) - presumably having been up late at the Albert Hall the night before as well

He really has nothing to prove and should allow himself to fade quietly into the background - he's done his bit and more

He seemed to have recognised what his in-laws would do to him if he was a much loved horse.

By the same logic, do you think all WW2 veterans should do the same? HRH served in some very nasty battles, and I suspect probably has a fair few personal demons from his time in the war. It is absolutely correct for him to be there if he chooses to remember in this way.

If he is anything like my granddads mates who over the years I have transported to the local event and home afterwards the only way of stopping them is to lock them up in a cell.

In fact it was deemed the "great escape" from various nursing homes in the final years of them living. Thankfully the booze consumption dropped off as time went on and 3 o clock with a cup of tea and a CD of war time hits and a small nip of whisky which was rarely finished saw them all fast asleep. I seem to remember more than a few didn't last long after the event.
A couple it was the only time they went out side in their final years.

I and the rest of the youngsters were of the opinion that they weren't going to live for ever and if they got a cold and it did for them such is life. At least they did something important for them. Seeing all their mates and remembering the ones that died next to them was more important than xmas with the family to be honest.

Jimlad

No I don't believe all old soldiers should give up - but he was clearly suffering - at one point it looked as if he was using the wall to keep himself standing.

He's done his bit, both in the War and since - there is a time to recognise your physical limitations. I'd raterh he did that and lived a bit longer than attended and used up his physical reserves. It is tho' as you say his choice.

Yes, Stavros was looking rather weary, it cannot be denied. But woe betide anyone, except Her Majesty, who might suggest that he takes things more easily!

I get the impression that he'd be happier dying "in harness" next to HRH than quietly in some bedroom (unless with a bevy of starlets).
I wouldn't be surprised though if in the background efforts are made to make his appearances as comfortable as possible. Not quite a Popemobile but some shortening of length of appearances, and any other aids so he can continue with dignity, even if whisked away after 5 minutes or so.
Some days I feel like ****e, and I'm almost 2 generations younger!
Personally I'm proud that he has been so stalwart (as has Ma'am) reliable and dependable. Don't let the cameras zoom in or for too long, please, we don't want frailty exposed in anyone.

Don't write the bugger off yet. There's life in the old dog!!

Prince Philip is spotted driving a horse and carriage | Daily Mail Online

My comment to SWMBO was "Get him a chair", but admire him enormously. Met him twice. The second was at the Princess Royal's 50th birthday bash at Windsor. (She is Patron of the "Royal" Yacht Club of which I was Secretary). HRH approaches group I was in and people start to introduce myself. I was next when Prince Philip say " I know you, we met at RAF Wyton". That had been several years earlier, and my comment to an equerry "That was a good brief" met with the response - "No brief, he never forgets a face". maybe something to do with having taken him to the Nursery School first. Did not know rug rabbits were not his favourite, but then only had 5 days notice of the visit. Remember when the Royals were getting flak about not supporting our boys in the Gulf

Suspect there was a chair perhaps multiple chairs available but all concerned knew that his response would involve sex and travel and it being in the front page of several rags after it occurred.

I was on the helm of one of the boats in the River Pageant back in 2012. I have never been so cold and wet in my life...as we passed the Queen and her Consort, it occurred to me that if one ever needed a definition of "service above self" then that had to be it.

We had a Naval Airman do the car door opening bit for him during a visit to Oz, and erring by losing control of door which duly hit HRH in the leg, to no great effect it must be said. Fast forward years later the same Rating is given the same job on the basis of you've done this before. HRH, on seeing who is performing the task this time, commented "We're not going to have repeat of last time are we?" A Man to be admired.

You get to be 96 because you push yourself, not in spite of it.

Strange thing to say?

I think what Albert's saying is that HRH is the type who will get out there and do things. It's the couch potatoes who croak early. Well done to both HRH and HM. I only wish I had the stamina of the two of them.

I wish I had the stamina of either of them, and I am 20 years younger!

I agree Herod. So long as your deck doesn't include things like strokes and other nasties!

Slight thread drift-noticed the POW was in his RAF uniform (MRAF?)


Is there any ettiquete regarding which uniform he should wear for such an occasion-or can he just turn up in whatever he's entitled to wear???


Obviously he was a navy man and also (or at least used to be) Col in chief of the Parachute Regiment...

Almost, just a pair of gloves short :p

HRH Turbulent Pilot
 

He is still smiling because he remembers flying the Turbulent G-APNZ (I think at White Waltham) many decades ago.
I do not think it was intended that he should fly it, but apparently after inspecting the machine (A Kings Cup winner) he sort of 'invited' himself to have a go, and no doubt enjoyed the moment. He had arrived at the 'event' in a Mini. (so folklore has it) Great guy especially when he says it like it is.

A mate who is former RM tells me there is great unhappiness amongst the cavalry because Prince Harry continues to sport a bear and yet wear a uniform for which the Regs say " no beards". Rumour has it that he is to take over from Prince Phillip as Captain General of the RM. I understand that they too are unhappy with the beard

Lack of PoW gloves and H's persistent stubble both noted in this household, with disdain.

As to the "Royal Dressing-Up Box", I have no doubt the Household has a roster for who wears what, with DofE and Princess Royal ALWAYS in Navy Blue. At least "The Other One" wasn't in his Scottish Fancy Dress outfit on this occasion.

I believe that Royals with beards in uniform is allowed, the protocol was established for H's great great grandfather, King George V. HRH The Duke of Kent wore a Field Marshall's uniform and was always bearded.

There are also multiple ranks/appointments where beards are almost mandatory. Pipe, Drum and Goat Majors, Pioneer Sgts and many more.

......Clams!

Goat Major Hewitt. Now there's a title.

Is that a case for having a Royal Goat Major?

Would Prince Harry care to set a precedent? ;)

But he is still only a "captain"!

I do wish people would move on from this beard business. Would they be happy if he laid the wreath in a sober civilian suit instead? We should be very grateful that our royal family are so proud to be a part of the military. As has been said, there is a long tradition of royal beard wearers in uniform. If the RM do not wish him to take up his ceremonial post as their chief then fine, he can honour someone else and they can have Edward or some reality TV star instead.

Edward as Captain General of the RM? That would be interesting.

Chaps in the pub last night felt that the Queen and Prince Philip ought to have been provided with seating on that balcony; height of the balustrade should not be an issue with electric-raising seats.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/images/archive/8.jpg
RAF Museum photo. Looks like KG V has a beard