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.
Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
Heaven is a High Four
A team of guns enjoy a day of the finest sport Devon has to offer, courtesy of the GWCT and a quartet of generous shoot owners