I first met Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, when he was Master of Trinity House, and I was a monitoring officer at the Harwich Depot.
The Duke’s visit, as I recall, took in the Low Lighthouse and the Harwich Office. My role was to explain the automation system of the corporation’s lighthouses.
Walking, accompanied by board members and chief superintendent, the Duke introduced himself with a firm handshake, to which I replied: “I’m disappointed, because hearing the Duke was coming, I thought it was John Wayne!” He responded that he was by far a better horseman!
Striking a rapport, I ventured forth by telling him I was impressed with Prince Charles’ love of Leonard Cohen. The Duke, laughing, said: “Oh, you are another lost romantic Collin.”
Happy couple - Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attending a garden party in Paris, hosted by Sir Peter Ricketts, Britain's Ambassador to France ahead of marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II
His laughter subsided when hearing that the new Trinity House screen was showing a lighthouse in a Calais garden. Before leaving I said I was putting on a football match in aid of the RNLI between Trinity House London, and Trinity House Harwich on the Royal Oak, and we could do with tall number 9 if he was available. He declined my offer, and made sure we got funding for the event, which, involved Ipswich Town manager Bobby Robson, as guest of honour.
Prince Phillip could not attend, but his interest and humour was the measure of the man. The game attracted a good crowd.
I’m not a ga ga monarchist, nor a republican, but I recognise decency, and his passing away leaves a big space in the Royal family, who are an anchor to democracy.
The Prince made a subsequent visit to Harwich depot, but I wasn’t on duty, much to the relief of the management!
Collin Rossini
Main Road, Dovercourt
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