As a Plantagenet, hence a fellow royal, I announce with sorrow the end of Prince Philip's life.

At 99, if he'd hung around 2 more months, he would have received a telegram from his wife.

Phil's jokes will be missed - see http://youtu.be/yPP-Vpnao-4

Without her partner I fear the Queen will step down. Will her son Charlie soon reign? Will Australia descend into base Republicanism?

See the official video of Prince Philip's passing http://youtu.be/HS1k8l3mdvY

Rest in Peace Phil, our No.1 Prince :(

Hi Pete,

Thank You for this discussion.
You beat me to it. I also suggested it to Graham, but
you got there first.

This is the passing of an era.
His Royal Highness was the Queen's consort for 70 years.
He's the longest serving consort in British history.
A prince who dedicated decades of his life to royal
duty and serving the nation at his monarch's side.
My prayers and thoughts are with the royal family
during this difficult time. I feel for Her Majesty.

I still recall the prince walking along with Prince
Charles, and his grandson's behind Princess Diana's
coffin. What a remarkable sight that was. He knew
what needed to be done - and did it.

I read that he wanted a "no-fuss" funeral. He did not
want a state funeral held in Westminster Abbey. He
wanted a quiet family affair, which I dare say he will get.

"Eternal Rest grand to him, O Lord
And let perpetual light shine on him
May he rest in peace
AMEN."

Sorry Foxy

I get up at 5.45-6am sharp each day (body clock in Covid time?) instead of that 9am sleep-in of old, brain almost in overdrive, so can't help first commenting.

On turning on today's TV I was bamboozled between breathless ABC reminders, every 5 minutes, that Prince Phil was still dead.

At 99 + 10 months Phil had a good innings and was that rare thing in the Monarchy, a very funny guy, quick with a quip.

So I don't mark his passing with sadness. The main symbol and person of Australia's beneficial Constitutional Monarchy, the Queen, is still here. That's the important thing, I think.

How the Queen, as main and most personal mourner, reacts to Phil gone is most significant. If she doesn't get too reclusive and depressed then I won't seek to outdo her in lasting grief.

Just a few tears from me, at about 6.15am, was enough.

But again, what will the Queen do in the next days/weeks/months/years?

Hi Pete,

I imagine the Queen will survive. Of course it will
be hard for her but she must have
known more about his state of health.
He was ill for a long time -
and I suspect that she known more than what we're
being told. She now has to decide whether to abdicate
and pass it on to Prince Charles or not. I believe
her health is good so she just may prefer to stay on.

If not, then Prince Charles may pass it on to Prince
William anyway. We'll have to wait and see.
Interesting times ahead.

Poor Prince Harry has been criticized for the "cold"
tribute he paid to his grandfather. All of ten words -
"Thank you for your service. You shall be greatly missed."
People expected something more, I guess.

Still people react differently in times of grief.
And not all are capable of showing their true feelings.

I wish the family all the best during what must be a
difficult time for them.

Hey Pete, with only the two of us commenting on Prince
Philip's passing does that classify us as
the only two royalists on the forum?
I would have thought there were many more.
Perhaps it's still early days yet?

Philip Mountbatten now has something in common with the Russian folk singer Zhambyl Zhabayuly, and about 150,000 other people.

http://www.thefamouspeople.com/died-at-99.php

If anyone has any Zhambyl records in their collection just let me know.

For those who can't work it out this is not Zhamy but the next best thing, a moving tribute to Prince Phil in his native language Greek.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgZNo2HEFgg&ab_channel=RussiaInsight