Today the nation joins the Queen in mourning for Prince Philip.
For nearly eight decades the Duke of Edinburgh was her rock, her guide and her companion.
Through good times and bad he was there by her side. While she tended to the country, he tended to Her Majesty.
As he once confided to a friend, his job, “first, second and last” was never to let his wife down.
The Prince embodied values which some fear have now passed.
What is your best memory of Prince Philip? Let us know in the comment section
He understood the importance of public service and he placed a premium on doing one’s duty – a duty to the Crown, to the country and to the people.
There is no guidebook to being the consort of a monarch yet the Prince conducted this tricky role without bitterness, self-importance or ill-will.
During their 74 years of marriage Philip was an unstinting source of strength and comfort.
While his passing is a time of national grief we should not forget this is a moment of great personal sadness for the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.
We have lost a figurehead, while Her Majesty has lost her husband and soulmate. Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward have lost a father; William and Harry have lost a grandfather; his great-grandchildren have lost a great-grandfather.
The terse and stoical image the Prince sometimes presented to the world perhaps disguised the deep love he had for his family and the pride he took in their achievements.
Yet his own achievements were considerable – from action as a young naval officer in the Second World War to using his privileged position to promote the work of hundreds of charities and organisations.
Perhaps his greatest legacy is the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme that to this day sees thousands of young people each year strive to improve themselves and work for their communities.
Yes, the Prince may have had his faults but as we mourn him today we give thanks for the service that he gave to this country, and admire the devotion he showed to his wife.
Theirs was a partnership that delivered a glorious reign.
This will be known as the second Elizabethan age but it should really be described as the age of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
