Why no thread on Phil the Greek?

[ChocolateFrog]

I quite like him, actually met him twice,

Once in 2013 on a freezing cold parade square in Catterick Garrison where he gave me my Afghan medal, despite the weather he was on top form then.

[Esceptico]

Looking at wiki came across stuff I didn’t know about him. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark yet doesn’t speak Greek or Danish. Yet does speak French and German. Very strong links to Germany. Spent some time at school there and his three older sisters all married German princes (they were not invited to his wedding, which seems a bit mean in hindsight unless the sisters were active Nazis).

[Petrus1983]

NikBartlett said:

I have a suspicion that the Forth Bridge is already down and there will be an official announcement Sunday morning.

I fear this too. Have to be honest I thought he was a good guy and brilliant Consort to The Queen.

[ClaphamGT3]

Esceptico said:

Looking at wiki came across stuff I didn’t know about him. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark yet doesn’t speak Greek or Danish. Yet does speak French and German. Very strong links to Germany. Spent some time at school there and his three older sisters all married German princes (they were not invited to his wedding, which seems a bit mean in hindsight unless the sisters were active Nazis).

All of his brothers in law were Nazis. His sister Cecilie died in a plane crash before the war

[bigothunter]

ClaphamGT3 said:

All of his brothers in law were Nazis. His sister Cecilie died in a plane crash before the war

[bigothunter]

Best wishes to the old boy and hope he makes 100 years in June

[JagLover]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Esceptico said:

Looking at wiki came across stuff I didn’t know about him. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark yet doesn’t speak Greek or Danish. Yet does speak French and German. Very strong links to Germany. Spent some time at school there and his three older sisters all married German princes (they were not invited to his wedding, which seems a bit mean in hindsight unless the sisters were active Nazis).

All of his brothers in law were Nazis. His sister Cecilie died in a plane crash before the war

Just based on "The Crown" at least one of his sisters was a Nazi. Doesn't mean anything about Phillip of course and, as already mentioned, he served with distinction during WW2.

[JagLover]

Prince Phillip describing his role in the Battle of Cape Matapan

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2130665/D...

[Craigyp79]

Ridgemont said:

knk said:

Ridgemont said:

Indeed.

Was introduced to him at a commonwealth day ceremony at Westminster abbey 35 odd years back. Brilliantly rude as expected; ‘so which school do you go to?’ Gave him it’s name. He looked above my head and just said ‘never heard of it’. Brought the house down when I recounted it at the following week’s assembly. Great guy. Good luck to him.

I like the incorrigible old man, but from anyone else would this be in any way "brilliant" or a story to "bring down the house"?
I respect him for his service, both in the Navy and as Consort.

It’ was a school with a remarkably high opinion of itself.

But whatever. It’s an anecdote.

Was it Ridgemont High?

[JagLover]

Esceptico said:

Looking at wiki came across stuff I didn’t know about him. Born a prince of Greece and Denmark yet doesn’t speak Greek or Danish.

Just on this point.

Greece didn't have an indigenous royal family as they had just obtained their independence from Ottoman rule. They went through two Kings appointed from the outside (and the first was deposed) In order to maintain the balance in the region it was forbidden for any members of the royal families of the great powers to take the role.

For the second king they appointed a member of the Danish royal family. Phillip himself then is descended from the usual northern European royalty. His great great grandmother is Queen Victoria, so he is a distant cousin of his wife. He was smuggled out of Greece in a Fruit crate after the monarchy fell when he was eighteen months old, hence no doubt why he doesn't speak Greek.

[Slackline]

ali_kat said:

Slackline said:

As an aside, it appears Harry has a private jet on standby to come over to see him. Luckily, as a Royal, he doesn't have to quarantine and will be allowed to visit him in hospital if that's where he is.

He’s also been self isolating in case he needs to make the trip!

Oh, that's ok then. Thought the rules might have applied to him, but as he says he's doing that then it's fine.

PS, I used to think Harry was a decent guy. But his new PR machine seems to be letting him down somewhat, or he's turned into a bit of a tt...

[AJL308]

PeteinSQ said:

I actually met him very briefly about twenty years ago at a DofE awards ceremony. He didn't disappoint.... Because the award had been going on for quite some time he asked if any of the parents in attendance had done the award. One lady put her hand up to say she had so he asked which one she'd done. The award is in three categories of bronze, silver and gold. She said she'd done the bronze award to which Phillip replied that it was "better than nothing I suppose". Which did make everyone laugh.

He's obviously pretty old fashioned but then he is pretty ancient and a member of the Royal Family so what would you expect?

I think he's great, quite honestly. It will be a great shame when he goes.

[AJL308]

Chubbyross said:

Not many 99 year-olds go into hospital and come out again. This looks serious this time. Does anyone know the protocol for the demise of the Queen’s husband? I presume there’s a period of national mourning. It would be strange having a state funeral (I presume he would get one) during a period of lockdown.

Only Monarchs get State Funerals (haven't we done this recently on another thread?). The sole exception in modern times was Winston Churchill in 1965.

[AJL308]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

They were talking about him on the BBC News the other day and then the presenter stopped and said "we are just getting some breaking news" and I thought "oh he's gone". Turns out that Kim and Kanye are getting a divorce.

Wish HRH the very best for a speedy recovery.

Fish Sticks.

[red_slr]

Petrus1983 said:

NikBartlett said:

I have a suspicion that the Forth Bridge is already down and there will be an official announcement Sunday morning.

I fear this too. Have to be honest I thought he was a good guy and brilliant Consort to The Queen.

He walked into hospital, so I doubt he would take a turn so quickly.
If he still in after a week, maybe two then I would be worried.

I would have though The Queen will arrive at the hospital if he is not coming back, when that happens you know its bad.

I for one will be sad when he goes, I hope even if he is requesting a small funeral (by royal standards) the country does something to mark his life.

[mikeiow]

plasticpig said:

Cold said:

Quick, say something about taxpayers' money.

If he pops his clogs before June the tax payer will be saved the cost of his missus sending him a congratulatory message on his 100th birthday. If her Maj reaches 100 I wonder is she sends herself a message

Wouldn't surprise me if the old curmudgeon has mentally decided to upset everyone by not making it to 100.....it appears he didn't want any fussy celebrations. I wish him well.

Never met him, but have helped facilitate many DofE expeditions & supported all levels: DD got her Gold from Edward at the Palace a couple of years back, a great day out. The Duke was quite foresighted in getting youngsters involved in doing stuff.

[crofty1984]

Slackline said:

ali_kat said:

Slackline said:

As an aside, it appears Harry has a private jet on standby to come over to see him. Luckily, as a Royal, he doesn't have to quarantine and will be allowed to visit him in hospital if that's where he is.

He’s also been self isolating in case he needs to make the trip!

Oh, that's ok then. Thought the rules might have applied to him, but as he says he's doing that then it's fine.

PS, I used to think Harry was a decent guy. But his new PR machine seems to be letting him down somewhat, or he's turned into a bit of a tt...

If I had a dying family member in hospital and had the means to get to say goodbye, "rules", "fair", "bad PR" or otherwise, you could bet your ahole I'd be on my way to see them. You can keep your moral high ground.

[Muddle238]

AJL308 said:

Chubbyross said:

Not many 99 year-olds go into hospital and come out again. This looks serious this time. Does anyone know the protocol for the demise of the Queen’s husband? I presume there’s a period of national mourning. It would be strange having a state funeral (I presume he would get one) during a period of lockdown.

Only Monarchs get State Funerals (haven't we done this recently on another thread?). The sole exception in modern times was Winston Churchill in 1965.

Didn’t Maggie Thatcher get a state funeral?

[john2443]

Muddle238 said:

Didn’t Maggie Thatcher get a state funeral?

Wiki says "Prior to her death, Margaret Thatcher was offered but declined a full state funeral, and requested not to lie in state. She did, however, accept the offer of a ceremonial funeral."

Don't ask me what the difference is!

Why she was offered one is a mystery, either all or no ex PMs should.

[ClaphamGT3]

Only the sovereign and Queens-dowager get a state funeral as of right but the sovereign can honour subjects by granting them a state funeral.

This has happened with Nelson, Churchill, Mountbatten and a very few others. Diana and Thatcher were granted ceremonial funerals. It is an honour in the gift of the sovereign in the same way as theRoyal Victorian Order and the Order of Merit