A Reflection on the Duke of Edinburgh's Life

Prince Philip passed away on the 9th of April 2021, a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. A day after his passing, I stood in front of the river Thames amidst others who came to observe the gun salute. The mood surrounding the Tower of London could only be described as sombre and contemplative.

The British Royal Family is a symbol of stability and permanence to many people around the world. In the wake of the Duke of Edinburgh’s demise, it may be worth pausing for a moment to take a look at what we can learn from the life of the longest-serving consort of a British monarch.

Be confident and comfortable in your own skin

Prince Philip was a strong and ambitious man who held a successful naval career before and during his early years of marriage. After Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne, he bundled up his promising profession and took up the role as the Queen’s consort, and have been walking a few steps behind the Queen in public ever since. During her coronation, Prince Philip knelt down and pledged his allegiance, a position he maintained for the next 69 years.

He was not threatened by her power or popularity. When you have a healthy dose of self-esteem and self-worth, you will not be comparing yourself with your counterpart, whether they’re more successful than you or not. Instead, you will be able to celebrate each other’s strengths and support each other’s weaknesses. Prince Philip continually maintained his poise and grace, offering quiet strength and support to his wife, his Queen, all the while holding his own.

Receive opinions only from those who matter

At the beginning of their relationship, Prince Philip had received numerous criticisms about his unsuitability as a match for the then Princess Elizabeth. He faced his fair share of tongue-clicks and finger-wags through the years, in particular over his politically incorrect gaffes. He was by no means perfect, and I don’t believe he intended to be.

When you set your eyes on what’s most important in your life, people’s opinions will have less effect on you, and only if you allow them to. What was important to Prince Philip was his people, his family, and his wife, the Queen. Therefore, he was able to withstand multiple criticisms and speculations over the years without faltering. People will always have opinions about how you lead your life, but at the end of the day, you are the one who chooses what to take into account.

During her speech at their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1997, the Queen lovingly called Prince Philip her “strength and stay all these years”.

We can’t take anything away, but we can leave something behind

Throughout his life, Prince Philip was a president, patron and honorary member of close to 1,000 charities across the world, ranging from environmental conservation to sports. He also founded the Duke of Edinburgh Award 65 years ago, to empower and equip young people’s lives for themselves and their community.

What legacy are we choosing to leave behind when we die? Our contributions do not have to be big to be life-changing. Educate others and yourself about climate change. Volunteer your time at your local charities. Be kind. Start local, and watch the acts of service create a ripple effect in the lives of those they touch, including yours.

In Prince Philip’s death, we are reminded that, royal or not, humans are finite beings. One day, our hearts, too, will stop beating. This may be a good time to reflect and really ask: what do we want our lives to mean to ourselves, to others? Every day is a new day to invest in ourselves.

Carpe diem.