任职64年,96年的菲利普亲王终于退休!
Prince Philip's final official engagement was hailed as "historic" by a Royal Marine - 64 years after the Duke of Edinburgh began his service to the British public. The Duke attended the The Captain General's Parade at Buckingham Palace before retiring from royal duties. He was praised for his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines by a senior officer who described the 96-year-old as a "wonderful figurehead for all Royal Marines to look up to". And as Prince Philip completed his final engagement, the watching crowd burst into applause while a band played the tune of 'For He's A Jolly Good Fellow'. As consort to the Queen, the Duke has supported his wife in her new duties as sovereign, accompanying her to ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament in various countries, state dinners, and tours abroad. He is also the patron of 785 organisations, particularly focused on the environment, industry, sport an education. "I tried to find useful things to do," he said about starting a footman training programme at the Palace. The Duke takes a great interest in scientific and technological research and development, as well as the conservation of nature. He has been depicted as a tough but caring father, as well as an accomplished sportsman. A qualified pilot, the Duke gained his RAF wings in 1953, helicopter wings in 1956 and private pilot's licence in 1959. His love of the sea never waned, and he competed regularly at Cowes Regatta. The Duke also helped the Queen through the deaths of both her mother and sister in the Golden Jubilee year of 2002. Philip's first ever private secretary Michael Parker, a friend from the Navy, once revealed: "He told me the first day he offered me my job that his job, first, second and last was never to let her down." Princes Charles, William and Harry are now expected to increase their workload, but Philip will still attend occasional official duties with the Queen. |