Tributes for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh from the UK's diplomatic network abroad
UK diplomats pay tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with reflections on some of the Prince’s foreign trips abroad, including memorable photos from the historical archive.
Switzerland
CERN in Switzerland is one of the world’s leading scientific research organisations, studying what the universe is made of and how it works. As someone with a strong interest in science, Prince Philip was an early visitor. Professor Bernardini, Research Director, said that “his questions were much deeper than those usually asked … I had to think hard before answering” while John Adams, Director General, said that “Prince Philip would have needed three days not three hours to get all the answers to the questions he wished to raise”.
Ascension Island
Tristan da Cunha
HRH visited one of the world’s most remote island communities, Tristan da Cunha in 1957.
St Helena
Brazil
“HRH Prince Philip visited Brazil 3 times. Firstly, in 1962 as part of a trade mission to promote the Dart Herald aeroplane – naturally, he flew it rather than merely showcasing it. He accompanied Her Majesty The Queen in 1968 in a 10-day visit through 7 cities, with the Royal Yacht Britannia moored in front of Rio’s Sugar Loaf, a match at the iconic Maracana – a truly royal encounter with Pele, and a fantastic ball at the then British Embassy mixing British tradition and Rio’s carnival spirit. HRH came again in his capacity as President of WWF in 1992, visiting wildlife sanctuaries in Brazil’s interior.”
Simon Wood, Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro
Ethiopia
“Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh’s eight-day trip to Ethiopia was the first formal call on the East African nation by any British monarch. During the 1965 State Visit to Ethiopia, Her Majesty the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were hosted by Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, where they drove through large crowds in open-topped cars. Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were also escorted on visits outside of the capital. There they witnessed the breath-taking scenery of Ethiopia’s countryside and the rich culture and history of the Ethiopian people.”
Alastair McPhail, British Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU
Pitcairn Islands
Dubrovnik
“In 1972, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Croatia (in what was then Yugoslavia). The programme was affected by bad weather. A trip to Dubrovnik was initially cancelled due to the infamous “Bura” – the powerful northerly wind – but so keen were the couple to visit the historic city it was reinstated. The last-minute change meant there was no official transport waiting. Local newspapers reported at the time that the Prince upon seeing an empty bus gallantly offered to drive the delegation himself! We do not know who eventually took the wheel, but The Queen and Prince happily reached Dubrovnik’s famous “Stradun” and were welcomed by crowds of locals.”
Andrew Dalgleish, HMA to Croatia
Jerusalem
The Duke of Edinburgh was the first member of the Royal Family to visit Jerusalem, although the trip was a personal one rather than an official royal visit. Prince Philip made the trip in order to visit the grave of his mother, Princess Andrew-Alice of Greece and Denmark, who is buried in the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives. During the Prince’s visit, he accepted Yad Vashem’s (Israel’s Holocaust museum) recognition of his mother as “righteous among nations” for her efforts to save 3 Jews during WWII.
Ghana
Ghana held a special place for Her Majesty The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh from their first visit in 1961, when Her Majesty the Queen danced with President Nkrumah, and were delighted to return in 1999. They deeply appreciated the warm welcome they received from the public, late President Rawlings and the many regional chiefs and queen mothers. During the visit, the Duke of Edinburgh attended a reception for members of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which has seen over 750,000 young Ghanaians benefit over the years.
UAE
