London (AFP) - Britian's Prince Phillip received a new title from his wife Queen Elizabeth II as a gift on his 90th birthday Friday , as the outspoken consort said he would finally scale back his workload.
The Queen made him 'Lord High Admiral' ... the titular head of the British Royal Navy an office until now, held by her ... partly in recognition of the promising seafaring career Philip gave up to spend a lifetime at her side .
The gruff patriarch , the longest-serving consort in British history, opted to spend his birthday with a typical lack of fuss, as he hosted a charity reception and chaired a conference for military colonels. Despite remaining sprightly for his age, he is not the dashing blond navel officer of more than five decades ago. Philip admitted he would now take a step back from official duties .
"I reckon I've done my bit. I want to enjoy myself a bit now, with less responsibilty, less frantic rushing about, less preparation, less thinking of something to say," he told the BBC. "On top of that my memory's going . I can't remember names. I'm just sort of winding down ." There has been speculation he could hand over some of his duties to his grandson Prince William's new wife , Catherine.
Since marrying the then Princess Elizabeth in 1947, Philip has carved out his own role supporting the monarch , accompanying her on visits around the world and jollying people up with his off-the-cuffs remarks . (Some have been near the knuckle).
On a visit to China in 1986 , he warned a group of British students ; "If you stay here much longer , you'll be slitty-eyed." And he told a British student who had trekked in Papua New Guinea in 1998 ; "You managed not to get eaten , then ?" The palace revealed almost 2,000 birthday cards has been sent to the Duke from across the globe , including New Zealand and Australia, Italy, Poland, France and Germany.
Known officially as the Duke of Edinburgh, he is patron of some 800 organizations , covering fields including conservation, design and developing life skills among youngsters. Canada also named Prince Philip an admiral and general in the Canadian Armed Forces for his birthday...The Queen is Canada's head of state.
The official celebration of his birthday will be on Sunday when there will be a service at Saint George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, attended by the Royal family, with a reception to follow.
The Duke showed the accolades were unlikely to go to his head, when he was asked by the BBC if he thoufgt he had been successful. "I couldn't care less . Who cares what I think ? I mean it's ridiculous," he said , adding that he figured out how to perform his role by "trial and error."
I don't know enough about his personal life and history to conclude anything, but I like his directness. That's one quality that separates real "MEN" from fake and delusional ones.
I think he would be a lot of fun to hang out with. I like people who don't take themselves too seriously . May we all be as spry at that age !
From the PICs 'Happy Birthday' Prince Philip and congratulations on your new title ...Lord High Admiral .
Good article PIC.He is an interesting guy with a good sense of humor and a no nonsense attitude. He has slept around on Queenie a bit though. She doesn't seem to care too much; they are still together. He was quite discreet but one or two of his partners have spoken up. I think it was just recreational as opposed to long term relationships.
ReplyDeleteHe is of German origin and had a hard time getting accepted by the British Royal Society. He dropped a brick once or twice - but I think that is part of his charm...Happy Birthday Count Battenberg!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right; his early years as royal consort were difficult for him. But his great personality won the British over.
ReplyDeleteI am a 'Royal Watcher' .
ReplyDeleteLong live 'Lord High Admiral.'
Like you PIC ... I think it was just recreational also ...true love lasts.