What we can learn from the Duke of Edinburgh | OC Comment

The tragic passing of the Prince Consort and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip has placed the nation in mourning. In the eight days of national mourning, we all reflected on the life of this great man, and his effects on the United Kingdom as a nation and as a collection of individuals. It is doubtless that every man and woman has a unique memory or association with the Duke of Edinburgh, and we would do well to treasure and reflect on these moments. 

Yet there is one aspect of the Duke’s life that far outshines all others. In his long and tumultuous life, one constant has endured all change; his service. 

Prince Phillip lived a life large part of admirable servitude to those around him. Whether it be his distinguished naval career, being present at the pivotal battles of Crete and Cape Matapan, or his heroic actions on the HMS Wallace, or his lifetime of devotion to Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke has always placed the wellbeing and safety of others before his own. 

His selfless nature was and can remain an example to us all; one that is sorely needed in the age of vacuous social media and identity politics. Our society, having lost all respect for the concept of sacrifice and service, may perhaps take some small steps to emulate the unparalleled sacrifices Phillip has made in both his personal and public lives. Instead of airing continuous grievances, proclaiming how this and that “isn’t fair”, might we recognize the need to make sacrifices in our individual lives for the good of society or of others. 

For example, Prince Phillip, in the renunciation of his Danish and Greek royal titles for the sake of his marriage, not only exemplified the maturity and dedication worthy of a Prince Consort, but also illustrated the ultimate benefits of service and sacrifice; in giving up something no doubt dear to his heart and central to his identity, he was ultimately rewarded with a happy marriage that lasted a lifetime and inspired millions. 

Therefore, instead of vilifying sacrifice as something to be shirked and avoided, or quibbling over the minutiae of who has given what, we should see sacrifice and service as an opportunity to better the lives of our fellow man, and as a way to express our love and dedication to those we care about. 

It is a sad day when the BBC’s coverage of such a monumental figure as Prince Phillip is greeted with an avalanche of complaints and decried as “North Korean” by the public. If a nation is unable to give up an evening’s television in remembrance of its leaders and inspirational figures, what will it do in far graver circumstances? Is it too much to ask that more than seven decades of service are to be honored with a few hours of coverage? 

Prince Phillip was a citizen who respected institutions and wider society by sacrificing personal gratifications in their service. He sacrificed innumerable evenings at home in front of the TV during his 22,191 solo public engagements and doubtlessly gave up far more in the course of his service to the nation. We can all hope to measure up, in some small way, to his example, and recognize our duty and commitment to those around us.

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