M Zahidul Haque
His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip passed away peacefully on 09 April 2021 at Windsor Castle, only 2 months ahead of his 100th birthday. “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the Buckingham Palace said in a statement. Late Prince Philip was a dignified personality who helped modernize the monarchy and guided the Royal Family at the time of crisis. As a distinguished naval officer in the Royal Navy, Prince Philip earned a high reputation for his bravery. He was associated with so many development tasks including helping the youths become self-reliant, wildlife and environment conservation. Prince Philip for his great human qualities earned respect and admiration from people at home and abroad.
Prince Philip is said to be the world’s most famous husband. Since his wedding to then young Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947, Prince Philip always stood by the side of The Queen as a good friend and affectionate husband. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth had a happy marriage. Prince Philip on their 50th wedding anniversary gave a rare speech about his marriage where he revealed the fact relating to what has made their relationship work that they were tolerant of each other. He observed-“I think the main lesson that we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient of any happy marriage”.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who is mourning the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip while paying a touching tribute said “Late Husband Prince Philip was her ‘Strength’” “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than we would ever claim, or we shall ever know” the Queen expressed.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson while paying tributes said “Philip had helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so they were indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life” Since the announcement of Prince Philip’s passing away. A shadow of sadness and grief was engulfed. Messages of condolence and tributes from World Leaders, Dignitaries and common people started to pour in.
This author has also recorded his message of condolence and tribute on the sad demise of HRH Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip in the Royal Family’s online condolence book:
I am deeply saddened to know that Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip’s has passed away. He was a great personality who contributed towards modernizing the Monarchy. He was an affectionate and caring husband who supported The Queen throughout Her Majesty’s 69-year reign. HRH Prince Philip and HM Queen Elizabeth II, as I feel, is the famous couple of the world! I extend my deepest condolences to The Queen and the members of the Royal Family. May his soul rest in peace in heaven! May God grant the strength to Her Majesty to enduring the pain of parting from her beloved husband, Prince Philip. Being an ardent admirer of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip I sincerely wish everything best and bright for them on Earth and in heaven respectively!
The Buckingham Palace said in reply: Thank you for your message.
(The author is a Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207. Email: prof_haque@hotmail.com)
