A UNIVERSITY of Essex graduate was given the royal seal of approval after delivering a poignant speech at the Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip.

The Queen spent several minutes chatting with Essex alumni Doyin Sonibare, who gave a moving eulogy during Tuesday’s service in Westminster Abbey.

Doyin, who has achieved a bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, commenced the memorial service with an impassioned tribute to Prince Philip, who died aged 99 in April 2021.

After the service the Queen expressed her appreciation to Doyin, 28, for her speech which described the impact the prince’s best remembered charitable project had on her life and career.

Doyin said: “She thanked me for my speech – she was lovely, really kind, and she asked what I did for my Duke of Edinburgh’s award.”

Gazette: Poignant - Doyin Sonibare, 28, received special thanks from the Queen after her speech dedicated to Prince PhilipPoignant - Doyin Sonibare, 28, received special thanks from the Queen after her speech dedicated to Prince Philip

Speaking at the service, Doyin, who now has an ambassador role with the award, said: “I just got a message from my mum, she said ‘Congratulations, really proud of you’.”

Many of the royal women, including the Queen wore green outfits, as did Doyin, who said: “I think it was just a crazy coincidence if I’m honest, but it’s quite nice, like we’re all in sync.”

She described how she received her gold award from the Earl of Wessex but met Prince Philip briefly when he opened an office for his awards organisation in London about six years ago.

When told she had given a very assured performance in the abbey, she replied: “I was nervous inside, great it didn’t come across that way.”

Gazette: Touched - the Queen was visibly moved during the service Touched - the Queen was visibly moved during the service

Following the service, the Queen was escorted out of the abbey by the Duke of York.

As the monarch stopped to greet Doyin, Andrew stood back and at one point broke into a smile.

During her speech, she told the abbey how she never wanted to apply for the scheme, however “My mum encouraged me to - she’s strict and Nigerian, so it’s very difficult to say no to her.”

She added: “The world has been through so much turmoil and in these times, it is so important to show our support to young people, to encourage them with opportunities and empower them to reach their full potential.”