The Duke of Edinburgh would tell the Queen how lovely she looked on their way to engagements, a former lady-in-waiting has said.
Lady Prudence Penn said the late Duke of Edinburgh was a “heaven-sent consort” for the Queen and he knew 'how to bring out the best out of a woman'.
Lady Penn told of Philip’s support for his wife in Tatler magazine’s July edition, which celebrates the life of the duke, who died last month aged 99 after 73 years of marriage
The former lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother, said: “I loved the way he would boost the Queen’s ego by telling her how lovely she looked on their way to an engagement.
“He knew how to bring the best out of a woman, and I am sure his advice and encouragement to her were paramount in their relationship.
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“To my mind, the Duke of Edinburgh was a heaven-sent consort for Her Majesty in every way.”
She described Philip as one of the most practical men she had ever met.
She said when she broke her leg jumping off a wall, he wanted to inspect the scene of the accident to show her how she should have handled the situation better.
Lady Penn said Philip told her: “Never launch yourself off a high wall, turn around to face it holding the top and lower yourself with your hands.”
She added: “With hindsight, of course, he was right.”
Ladies-in-waiting are expected to serve for life and never retire from their personal duties.
This means Lady Penn would have been the Queen Mother's lady-in-waiting until her death in 2002 aged 101.
The Queen currently has five ladies-in-waiting whose responsibilities differ from managing the 94-year-old's wardrobe to helping Her Majesty bathe and attending official duties with the monarch including funerals and remembrance services.
Despite the prestigious work they do they are not paid but are able to claim expenses for costs incurred during their work.
The commemorative July issue of Tatler is on sale on May 27 on newsstands and via digital download at www.tatler.com.
