Philip’s death leaves Prince Charles as patriarch of royal family

Ivan Annibal — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 05:43:52 +0000

Prince Philip had lived such a long life many of us had forgotten what there was to like about his royal service. I suspect Prince Charles (now in his 70s) may have a similar path of development up to the point of his accession. What I do know is that he is a longstanding champion of rural causes. He now takes on the ostensible role as head of “the firm.” This article tells us:

The Duke of Edinburgh’s death, as the Queen expressed, has left “a huge void”. Philip was the patriarchal head of “the firm”. This is the mantle Charles will now assume. This role was most symbolically underscored when Charles was the only family member to visit his father during his recent spell in hospital.

He spent 30 minutes at the duke’s bedside at King Edward VII’s hospital in London in February. What words were exchanged between father and son can only be guessed at, and are unlikely to ever be made public. But it was a sombre Charles who emerged with, according to photographers waiting outside, tears glistening in his eyes.

Charles’s siblings may take some time to adjust to his new role. “It will be difficult for them to see him the way they used to see their father,” said Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty magazine. “In my opinion, though, Charles has been pretty much the head of ‘the firm’ for quite some time. With the general decline in the Duke of Edinburgh’s health, it was a natural progression.”

“And Charles is fully consulted in all manner of things he never used to be,” added Little. “In many ways, Charles has already become his father.’

‘Supporter of rural Britain’: Tributes paid to Prince Philip

Ivan Annibal — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:50:14 +0000

I felt sadder than I thought I might as I reflected on the loss of Prince Philip. In his very long life he has championed many causes that we have allowed ourselves to disassociate him with. I think it can be advocated without doubt that rural England has lost a significant champion. This article tells us:

He was also involved in over 750 organisations – many of them countryside based – serving as a patron, president or member.

After his retirement in 2017, he spent a lot of his time at the secluded Wood Farm in Wolferton, Norfolk, which sits on the western edge of Sandringham Estate.

The 20,000-acre estate consists of arable, livestock and horticultural farms, as well as a country park.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) paid its tributes, describing Prince Philip as a ‘passionate supporter of rural Britain’.

“Through his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme many thousands of young people from all walks of life were taught to respect and enjoy the countryside,” CLA President Mark Bridgeman said.

“We express our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family, and will remember with gratitude the Duke’s outstanding commitment to farming communities everywhere.”

The NFU added that Prince Phillip was a ‘great champion’ of British farming and rural communities.

Prince Philip – Hinterland

Philip’s death leaves Prince Charles as patriarch of royal family

‘Supporter of rural Britain’: Tributes paid to Prince Philip