For He Was A Jolly Good Fellow

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s conservation successes and sporting prowess long attracted the attention of The Field’s commentators

- Mary Skipwith

One has to be realistic and let pleasure go when time tells you,” HRH The Duke of Edinburgh told The Field shortly before the millennium. When ever the accumulation of years forced him to retire from one beloved pastime, rather than succumb to despondency he diverted his immense energy and drive towards a new one. Following his death on 9 April – just two months shy of his 100th birthday – we pay tribute to his extraordinary dedication to the numerous interests he has not only taken pleasure in but encouraged, enthused, and enabled others to enjoy.

ASSOCIATIONS

Not only did the Duke surpass the record for the longest-serving British consort, but he was involved with around 800 organizations and held several titles within them. Playing a supporting role as the sovereign’s companion whilst under constant scrutiny can’t have been easy. Admittedly, his views weren’t always orthodox and he was never afraid to speak his mind; his comments often raised as many eyebrows as they did laughs. However, his honesty was refreshing, such as at the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in Scotland when he declared: “the... what’s-its-name open”. His unabashed admittance to a memory lapse had the crowd chuckling supportively.