*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

Leader comment: Prince Philip’s values

by
16 April 2021

FOR someone with a reputation for outspokenness, the Duke of Edinburgh left many things unstated. The most obvious reason for this, of course, was his acute awareness of the often unhealthy obsession of the British public with the Royal Family: how it could hang on every statement that issued forth from within it, and then analyse it in the harshest light possible. More influential than that, though, was his natural reticence on matters of importance. Accounts of conversations about faith with various church dignitaries over the years suggest a questioning, intellectual approach; but this was simply another aspect of public engagement by a man who, according even to his children, was not accustomed to expressing his private emotions.

Despite the Prince’s determination to remain in the background, much has been written in the past week about his influence on British life and thought. Quite naturally at such times, this can be overstated; but his early expression of concern for the future of the planet provided a vital air of respectability to the environmental movement, which, until that time, was being too easily dismissed as a radical metropolitan fad. Through his work for the World Wide Fund for Nature, he forged a link between conservatism and conservation which challenged those in government who found themselves behind the curve. Under his direction, the Christian Churches, too, were acquainted with the care for creation long exercised by Eastern religions. In another field, the influence of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards cannot easily be exaggerated. Unable to influence the British people directly, he embraced his powerlessness and responded in what might be termed an act of subversiveness: encouraging successive generations of young people to adhere to his values — which, fortunately, were beneficial ones of healthy, outdoor adventure, problem-solving, and self-reliance. It was not for nothing that the former Bishop of Norwich noted his interest in Pelagius.

Most admirable, though, is his support for the Queen. There is no way in which the Queen’s realms can be said to have been ruled by a couple for the past decades; and yet the Queen’s ability to cope with the trials of monarchy was hugely enhanced by her constant companion, counsellor, and friend. When they married in 1947, life expectancy for men was 66. Instead of 40 years, the Queen and Prince Philip have enjoyed 73 years together. Any churches that have allowed prayers for the Queen and the Royal Family to lapse would do well to ensure that prayers continue for their Supreme Governor, as she faces the rest of her reign with a “huge void” instead of her “rock”.

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

Letters to the editor

Letters for publication should be sent to letters@churchtimes.co.uk.

Letters should be exclusive to the Church Times, and include a full postal address. Your name and address will appear below your letter unless requested otherwise.

Forthcoming Events

Inspiration: The Influences That Have Shaped My Life

September - November 2024

St Martin in the Fields Autumn Lecture Series 2024

tickets available

 

Can a ‘Good Death‘ be Assisted?

28 November 2024

A webinar in collaboration with Modern Church

tickets available

 

Through Darkness To Light: Advent Journeys

30 November 2024

tickets available

 

Festival of Faith and Literature

28 February - 2 March 2025

tickets available

 

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events 

The Church Times Archive

Read reports from issues stretching back to 1863, search for your parish or see if any of the clergy you know get a mention.

FREE for Church Times subscribers.

Explore the archive

Welcome to the Church Times

 

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month. (You will need to register.)