The Royal family are divisive. It is interesting to read through and see how stark the contrast is between the two sides. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground, you’re either extremely pro royal or extremely anti royal.
Prince Philip was potentially the most divisive figure of the lot of them. A lot is written about him, some of it true, a lot of it false, nearly all of it misunderstood. The media is less interested in fairness or truth, more interested in clicks, views or pushing a narrative that suits them. I knew Philip personally and he was never happier than when he was giving back. His charity, his senses of right and wrong and his integrity shone through. Whenever the topic of the Duke arises, I always mention the same interactions I had with him.
I attended many events with him. He was always the first to dig deep in to his pockets and part with his hard earned cash when the collection plate was passed around the attending klan members. I have lost track of the number of hate campaigns he practically single handedly funded. He spent the majority of the rest of his spare time patrolling the Channel in his schooner, his watchful gaze ensuring “any and all of those kinds of buggers” were kept out
of this green and pleasant land.
There were countless conferences where he would have all the other ukip members doubled over with his spot on portrayals of a whole host of ethnicities. Their customs and accents expertly dissected by his rapier wit.
Even as the years started to take their toll to and age ever a barrier, he thought nothing of putting his life on the line to defend the country he deeply loved. Yes, he may have crashed his car. Few know however that the crash was completely deliberate. He swerved at the car as he saw the driver looked “possibly some kind of oriental, and potentially in the country illegally” his swift actions ensured a police presence was soon at the scene and if the driver did in fact turn out to be here illegally, they would have been deported.
As with anyone, blue blooded or otherwise, there were some imperfections. He would often lash out at the corgis when the Queen’s back was turned. This however was only because they liked to shit in the same areas of the Royal gardens as he did. RIP Phil.