Normally a saying we heard often is, “Behind every successful man, there is a support and understanding of a devoted woman. For Her Majesty, the longest serving British Monarch, it is other way round!
Prince Philip has stood by her for over seven decades, performing 22K solo engagements and over 400 foreign trips. Now approaching his 96th birthday, he would bow out from public life but will still attend a few, selected public functions of his choice.
Fortunately for Her Majesty, she has devoted and intelligent family members to fill the gap, especially Princess Ann, Prince Charles and in Prince William, Harry and Duchess of Cambridge, the young, charming royals who are as much in demand as the Queen herself. So there is no fear of Royal Family members disappearing from our TV screen.
As widely reported in print media, Prince Philip is also famous for his various gaffes that show he is human after all with easy going, unintrusively manner. The most famous was the one he made in China to British students that if they stay there too long, they will all develop slanting eyes!
Let us wish him a happy retirement he so richly deserves for his lifelong service to the nation.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
