Remembering HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and express our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen.
Members of the SGSNY community share their reflections and condolences.
“I had the pleasure of meeting HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on three occasions when he was the Chancellor of my alma mater, Cambridge University. Given his characteristically unvarnished approach, I think I shall keep two of the conversations to myself. On one occasion, however, he asked me what I did for Cambridge. Although I was a two-term member of the Cambridge in America Board of Directors, Development Committee member at my college, Trinity Hall, member of the planning committee for the University capital campaign, alumni volunteer, and rather generous contributor I simply said I was trying to help out on the campaign. Standing next to me the Master of my college said how generous and involved I was. The Duke was not impressed and said simply, “trying isn’t good enough” and walked off. I think his entire lifetime was not of trying but doing. That should be a challenge to us all.”
Frank E. Morgan II, President, SGSNY
HM Majesty Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip pictured with Mayor Bloomberg at The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden in July 2010.
“HM The Queen and HRH Prince Philip visited New York in 2010 on one of the hottest days on record. Too hot for Royal engagements such laying a wreath at the site of the attack on the Twin Towers and to officially open he Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Hanover Square. Characteristically The Queen declined to alter her programme to spare her from the searing heat. It was her usual overwhelming sense of duty. But she was backed up in this every inch of the way by Prince Philip. He acted as he always did as her rock, by her side supporting, encouraging and uplifting. All the same characteristics that this great man showed throughout long years of steadfast service to Britain and to The Queen. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and he will be truly missed.”
Sir Alan Collins KCVO CMG, SGSNY Advisory Council Member and former British Consul General in New York
“It was a scorcher of a day. The QEII Garden was a flurry of activity ahead of the arrival of The Queen and Prince Philip’s historic visit to NYC July 2010. Those of us working the event were delighted when their motorcade arrived, unlike the foxgloves, we were wilting. The spritely octogenarians stepped out of their car, fresh as the flowers, and not a hint of discomfort in the oppressive heat. They listened intently to the assembled guests–family members of victims of 9/11, officials, donors, and supporters of The QEII Garden. It was a pleasure to witness how Prince Phillip’s affable manner relaxed those he spoke to. He was an amazing example of listening and connecting to people from all walks of life.”
Clare Risman, Executive Director, SGSNY
“I had the great pleasure to meet and speak with HRH on several occasions over the years, and I always found him to be a most energetic, engaging and charismatic person. He never failed to express an encouraging interest in St. George’s Society of New York and The Queen Elizabeth II Garden, and projected enthusiasm and encouragement that was infectious. He was a great man of much greater complexity than many may realize, and I profoundly mourn his passing.”
Victor E. Stewart, Past President, SGSNY
“I recall meeting HRH Prince Philip in 1998 when Jeffrey Ling, the then British Consul General, gave a reception at the British Residence on Fifth Avenue. Later that evening, Rolls Royce hosted an unveiling of the Silver Seraph with Prince Philip being the guest of honor. We were invited as my husband, Malcolm Pray, had a collection of Rolls Royces and we were friends of the Consul General. I remember Prince Philip asking the Rolls Royce officials why they wanted to sell the company—a major British brand.
Years later, I had the pleasure of meeting Prince Philip again at the English Speaking Union World Members Conference, which was hosted by ESU Scotland in Edinburgh in 2008. I was there as a member of ESU/US. Prince Philip attended one of the events, and we met as he graciously circulated among participants.”
Natalie T. Pray, Past President, SGSNY
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