His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Dean Russell Excerpts

Monday 12th April 2021 Commons Chamber

[Dean Russell (Watford) (Con)]

I would like to begin by joining the House in paying tribute on behalf of myself and the people of Watford to the life of Prince Philip. I would also like to send our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and to the royal family. Although I never had the honour of meeting His Royal Highness personally, from afar I often felt that he could be described by two phrases: his sense of duty and his sense of humour. Prince Philip dedicated his entire adult life to his duty: duty to his wife, his queen and to all of us.

It is incredible to think that it was as long ago as 1955 that Prince Philip first visited Watford, opening Woodside Playing Fields, which he described at the time as an “excellent and first-class example” to all of the towns and cities in the UK of what a town of 70,000 people can do. The following year, he created the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which has since inspired millions of young people over the years.

I often think of Prince Philip as having a twinkle in his eye. Sadly, today, many of us have a tear in ours, but the many stories of his dedication to our country will shine on, and his legacy will live on through the millions of people he has inspired.

Prince Philip has often been described as the nation’s grandfather, but I think it would be more fitting to say that he was this nation’s great-grandfather. To paraphrase his own statement, Prince Philip was an “excellent and first-class example” to all of the people in the UK and around the world of what one man can do. My prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen, and the royal family. Rest in peace, Prince Philip. Thank you for your service.