Hi @herbaceous. In your original post, you said you were devastated and that you were a lifelong monarchist. I am neither of these whilst still able to feel sorry for an elderly lady suffering loss as I said earlier.
Several posters here seem to share my view and so perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned ‘the OP’ in my post but addressed it specifically to the poster who seems to think that it is not good mannered nor kind when people point out that the Duke had also had a privileged life and that he had lived to what most would describe as a good age.
I’m not so sure of a resulting cultural effect on our society either but we shall have to wait and see on that one.🙂
I was indeed devastated that yet another major event was added to the many, although, I accept from my long isolation I may not have a good perspective. I am a lifelong monarchist and reckon we have been more than lucky with our Head of State whose life will undoubtedly be changed now.
I just wanted to set the record straight @Helios as I don't seem to have made my point very well, used to being misunderstood
Wish I could read the history books/Wiki views in 50 yrs time as I am sure they would be very interesting - not going to happen though so I just speculate.....
"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." Sir Terry Pratchett
It is sad when someone dies, but at 99 and having lived a life of absolute privilege, I find it very hard to feel more than empathy for his surviving family/friends.
On the other hand, Nikki Graham, the Big Brother contestant died today due to anorexia at 38 which I find a whole deal sadder. A live absolutely not lived in anyway really, taken far too young. Massively contrasting to the D of E and one that was arguably (at one point) as equally controversial and cultural to our country...
I think it can be argued with some justification that the life of the DoE had a not insignificant effect on the cultural and social history of Great Britain ...
I’m not sure that his passing will do so.
Nevertheless I do of course
feel sympathy for his family and friends.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
People in here seem to have respectful condolences towards the family of the deceased DoE. However the differences revolve around the importance of the event and how there is excessive reporting and even grieving for someone who's death will be forgotten about soon enough. It's hypocritical in some ways to wail and gnash your teeth metaphorically or by even actually for some persons death you have no real m connection to. The royal family isn't as big a factor in our nation's culture or society. Their influence is becoming less with each generation. However, if you think it's inappropriate to express such a pov then say so. You're free to say so just as others are free to say whatever they feel is relevant.
BTW we feel sorry for the family but not for the nation. We're not flying our flag at half mast because quite simply he's not that important to us. There's medical staff contracting COVID through their work and dying but we never fly flags half mast for their sacrifice. There's no day long repetitive reporting of their deaths so why do that with the consort to possibly the last British, constitutional monarch? Wishful thinking on my part but there will be a last one soon.
As ever, these things are all about perspective and, on the whole, given the exploits, philandering and personal pleasuring or many other European monarchs and some Arab "princes" I think prince Philip did pretty well.
He emerged from a precarious childhood and youth to become a man who used his position to highlight problems with the environment and to work to promote conservation of species and habitat for the better good of all. He did agreat deal of well publicised work for youth and a great deal more that was less obvious for sport, local communities and child welfare.
How many of us can say that outside of our immediate families we volunteer to get involved at community level whether that be our street, our village, town, country? His influence and effect were world wide and generally good. A man to be missed and a life to be celebrated whatever we think about the privilege of those apparently born to it.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Sadly. We spend nine months in the womb developing and preparing fo life outeside. Suddenly we emerge and, instantly we start to die.
I actually met Prince Philip. The Queen was opening a tiny rock garden outside the loos in Greenwich Park.. Everything was so informal. I was the only young cop assigned. The Duke stood up and above the dedication site. He said something and I simply responded. SIR. There was a twinkle in his eye, as if inviting me to chat or whatever. IMO he was a great guy. His loyalty to the Queen is unquestionable. RIP.
How many of us can say that outside of our immediate families we volunteer to get involved at community level whether that be our street, our village, town, country?
Most people have to earn a living and look after their own domestic responsibilities, and that restricts the time they can give to such things, although many still volunteer, especially after retirement.
I don't think any of the posts on this thread came near to suggesting anything other than sympathy for the Queen and her family at Philip's death.
I imagine to many of us it is exactly the same as the loss of any partner or close relative - it's a sad time without doubt but many of us go thru this every day of the week.
By all means remember him for his good works but also bear in mind his bad points. That is what true obituaries are about after all - good and bad. None of us are perfect - far from it - I'd imagine Philip himself would have had a good laugh about the suggested 7 days of national mourning. The monarchy itself is in turmoil - Philip's death simply leaves Elisabeth without her longstanding support - she will feel the effect like anyone else.
It happens when you consider the age ..........
Don't lets denigrate poster's points of view - everyone is entitled to their opinion whether or not you happen to agree with it,
Posts
I just wanted to set the record straight @Helios as I don't seem to have made my point very well, used to being misunderstood
Wish I could read the history books/Wiki views in 50 yrs time as I am sure they would be very interesting - not going to happen though so I just speculate.....
On the other hand, Nikki Graham, the Big Brother contestant died today due to anorexia at 38 which I find a whole deal sadder. A live absolutely not lived in anyway really, taken far too young. Massively contrasting to the D of E and one that was arguably (at one point) as equally controversial and cultural to our country...
I’m not sure that his
passing will do so.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
BTW we feel sorry for the family but not for the nation. We're not flying our flag at half mast because quite simply he's not that important to us. There's medical staff contracting COVID through their work and dying but we never fly flags half mast for their sacrifice. There's no day long repetitive reporting of their deaths so why do that with the consort to possibly the last British, constitutional monarch? Wishful thinking on my part but there will be a last one soon.
He emerged from a precarious childhood and youth to become a man who used his position to highlight problems with the environment and to work to promote conservation of species and habitat for the better good of all. He did agreat deal of well publicised work for youth and a great deal more that was less obvious for sport, local communities and child welfare.
How many of us can say that outside of our immediate families we volunteer to get involved at community level whether that be our street, our village, town, country? His influence and effect were world wide and generally good. A man to be missed and a life to be celebrated whatever we think about the privilege of those apparently born to it.
I imagine to many of us it is exactly the same as the loss of any partner or close relative - it's a sad time without doubt but many of us go thru this every day of the week.
By all means remember him for his good works but also bear in mind his bad points. That is what true obituaries are about after all - good and bad. None of us are perfect - far from it - I'd imagine Philip himself would have had a good laugh about the suggested 7 days of national mourning. The monarchy itself is in turmoil - Philip's death simply leaves Elisabeth without her longstanding support - she will feel the effect like anyone else.
It happens when you consider the age ..........
Don't lets denigrate poster's points of view - everyone is entitled to their opinion whether or not you happen to agree with it,